The Holy See asks that the digital transformation of the Americas place women and human dignity at its centre. Speaking at the Organization of American States during a session marking International Women’s Day, permanent observer Monsignor Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano also recalls Pope Leo XIV’s warning that women who face violence and exclusion are often “doubly poor.”
By Vatican News At the Organization of American States in Washington, the Holy See has underlined the equal dignity of women and called for ethical and inclusive digital development that serves the common good across the Americas. Speaking at an Extraordinary Session of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) marking International Women’s Day, the Holy See reflected on the essential role of women in shaping the digital future of the region, insisting that technological progress must remain centred on the dignity of the human person. Delivering the intervention on behalf of the Holy See, Monsignor Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano, Permanent Observer to the OAS, welcomed the session dedicated to the theme “Women in the Digital Transformation of the Americas”. “The Delegation of the Holy See welcomes the convening of this Extraordinary Session to commemorate International Women’s Day,” he said, noting the importance of reflecting on women’s contributions at a time of profound technological change. Monsignor Cruz Serrano underlined the fundamental dignity shared by all women and men, stressing “the equal dignity of women, bestowed by God, and the important role they play in the building of society”. He also recalled the words of Pope Leo XIV, who has drawn attention to the particular vulnerability faced by many women around the world. “Women who suffer situations of exclusion, mistreatment and violence are doubly poor,” the Pope said, “because they frequently have fewer possibilities to defend their rights”. The Holy See noted that this reality takes on new significance in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. The statement observed that the emergence of artificial intelligence marks a new stage for society as a whole. For this reason, Monsignor Cruz Serrano stressed that digital transformation must be guided by responsible regulation, international cooperation and education promoting safe and ethical use of new technologies.