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conception to its natural end - may be a dignified life, one free from the

scourge of hunger and poverty, of violence and persecution. Pope Bene-

dict XVI, in his encyclical Caritas in veritate, highlighted how the Church

« forcefully maintains this link between life ethics and social ethics, fully

aware that a society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it as-

serts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then,

on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating

a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially

where it is weak or marginalized » (No. 15).

I encourage you, who are engaged in defending the dignity of women

and promoting their rights, to allow yourselves to be constantly guided by

the spirit of humanity and compassion in the service of your neighbour.

May your work be marked first and foremost by professional competence,

without self-interest or superficial activism, but with generous dedication.

In this way you will manifest the countless God-given gifts which women

have to offer, encouraging others to promote sensitivity, understanding and

dialogue in settling conflicts big and small, in healing wounds, in nurturing

all life at every level of society, and in embodying the mercy and tenderness

which bring reconciliation and unity to our world. All this is part of that

« feminine genius » of which our society stands in such great need.

With renewed gratitude for your work, I send cordial good wishes for

the Conference that you have organized and whose theme is so urgent. I

pray for all of you, and I ask you to pray for me and my intentions. To

you and your loved ones, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, 22 May 2015

FRANCISCUS PP.