Our objective in compiling this study was to look again at the events of 1995, the year in which John Paul II published his Letter to Women and the United Nations convened the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing. It is because of these milestones that we can say that 1995 was an important year for the ecclesial magisterium on women, and also for the current feminine question. This study provided us with an opportunity to look back on events as well as to become familiar with the present situation, to study the problems and formulate objectives to guide our action.

Through the contributions that were sent to us by the experts we had consulted, we became even more aware of the important prophetic role played by John Paul II in 1995. He took every opportunity during that year to continue teaching about the true dignity and vocation of women. He took up many topics that were already present in earlier documents and he enlarged on some new themes. The most notable document that emerged that year on the subject of women was the Letter to Women. The Letter is short but to the point. It establishes a dialogue with women everywhere, and lays out the fundamental points of Christian anthropology as a sure basis for the true defence of the dignity and rights of women. In this sense, the Letter sets out a path that the Church must continue to follow as a participant in a dialogue in which humanity seeks answers. The Church must give light to this discussion through its concept of the human being created male and female. ... Continue