Church Remains Dominantly Male, as Per Sister Giuliana Galli's Assertion

Chat with Sister Giuliana Galli

Vatican City. "Over the my life as a nun, I've faced an unfair, masculine stance often enough: 'How dare you?' When pushing initiatives within the Church." Sister Giuliana Galli shares this with a firm, determined voice. At 90, she's a religious sister of San Giuseppe Benedetto Cottolengo, co-founder of the Mamre Foundation for migrants, and a former vice-president of the Compagnia di San Paolo. Looking to the future, she offers a stark warning: women in the Holy Rooms "encounter a wall that Francis has started to break down. The next pope must carry on this work, lest they squander what Pope Bergoglio has started."

Sister Giuliana, on Wednesday, 133 men will gather in Conclave to choose the Church's future leader. Is a stronger valuation of the feminine component still necessary? "Francis said the Church is woman and mother. It's a beautiful, comprehensive description. But then there are rigid structures - or superstructures - that hinder the woman from truly emerging as what she is: woman, mother, sister, giver of life, biologically or not. In her fullness. I believe the Church must recognize a far greater capacity in women than what's attributed today."

Some argue Bergoglio's actions weren't revolutionary but rather a reform initially set in motion. What's your take on this? "Revolutions can lead to chaotic repercussions. Instead, an evolutionary process is preferable. Francis started such a process. Now, it's up to us women to seize the opportunity, to 'take the bull by the horns.'"

In what ways?

"To venture into the world of the Church, which is no longer - and should no longer be - an enclosed institution. Even if it means taking risks."

What kind of risks?

"Of being criticized, of bringing novelty, of initiating unprecedented actions. Women are still a bit hesitant, as we’ve been told for centuries to 'stick to tradition', to serve, to practice a humility that borders on timidity. But we require courageous humility — a humility that embraces change."

In these decades of life and service in the Church, have you ever felt underestimated? "Not underestimated, but I've encountered a strong sense of male authority that often expressed itself with a raised finger against me, even when presenting my initiatives. When you work tirelessly in the name of the Gospel and are met with derision, it's quite disheartening."

Is the Church still patriarchal? "Despite the advancements made thanks to Francis, yes, it's still patriarchal. But we don't notice it because machismo has been so deeply ingrained into the Church's structure that many don't even see it. And when it's exposed – often without the right language – it hits a wall. Pope Bergoglio has started to break it down, but there's still much work to be done. The next pope must continue this work, and not squander what Pope Bergoglio has started. Whoever still today underestimates the woman forgets the biblical dictate: 'Male and female He created them. In his image, He created them.' That's it. For centuries, it's been maintained that the woman was an inferior being. Some theologians even insisted that she didn't have a soul. Today, women must insist: 'I no longer accept being second to you.'"

What kind of pope does Sister Giuliana expect? "A pontiff who isn't simply a carbon copy of Francis but who continues his line of openness to the world for the sake of the Gospel. I wish to emphasize this: too often, Francis is labeled as someone who 'socialized but did not evangelize.' False. Francis socialized in the name of the Gospel. And I hope this spirit continues in the coming years."

Do you envision parishes led by women in the future? "I've already seen them, and they work quite well. I visited a friend, an excellent biblical scholar, who lives in the Aretine Appennines. In her parish, she and another woman handle everything: they explain the Gospel, distribute communion, provide catechesis. The priest comes by occasionally to consecrate the hosts. And the community is happy, they engage. What truly matters is carrying out the mission of bringing the Lord, the Eucharist, His Word well. But why should only men carry out this mission? Especially since priests are rare."

Is the issue just about roles? "No, roles are merely a small part of it. A role provides authority within certain boundaries. But what truly matters is the space granted for expression, presence. Seeing a woman in a parish, in the Church, in the world, as an equal presence when she has the dignity and professionalism to be so, is essential. It's not about saying 'this role can also be filled by a woman.' A woman must be allowed to be present in the Church not just to fulfill a task, but because her strength and identity are part of creation, of God's vision. And her value must be acknowledged, her role expanded."

Sister Giuliana's vision for the Church involves a greater emphasis on women's health and well-being, as she believes the Church must acknowledge and embrace a far greater capacity in women, citing their roles as women, mothers, sisters, and givers of life.
In her discussion about the future of the Church, Sister Giuliana also advocates for a stronger role in promulgating science, particularly in the context of women's health, as she urges women to seize opportunities and take risks to bring about change and challenge traditional norms that have hindered women's full participation and expression in the Church.