Ep 9. Women in the Vatican

Did You Know? season 1 episode 9 titled "Women in the Vatican" delves into the history and current status of women in the predominantly male-dominated Vatican. The episode begins with a brief introduction to the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, which is also the religious and administrative headquarters of the Catholic Church.

The episode then explores the role of women in the Vatican, starting with the famous painting of "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci. The painting shows 13 men sitting at the table and has been interpreted by many as reflecting the patriarchal nature of the Church. The episode moves on to examine the role of women throughout the history of the Catholic Church, beginning with Mary Magdalene, considered by many to be the first female disciple of Jesus Christ. It highlights the contributions of notable women such as St. Catherine of Siena and St. Teresa of Avila, who were renowned for their mystic writings and teachings.

The episode then moves on to explore the status of women in the modern-day Vatican. It sheds light on the Vatican's all-male electoral college, which is responsible for electing the Pope. The episode examines the reasons why women are excluded from this process and explores the possibility of change in the near future. The episode also highlights the existence of a few women in highly influential positions within the Vatican, including Barbara Jatta, the director of the Vatican Museums, and Francesca Di Giovanni, who was appointed as the first female Undersecretary of the Section for Relations with States in 2020.

The episode also highlights the challenges faced by women in the Vatican, including the absence of maternity leave and limited opportunities for career advancement. It explores the efforts made by some women to address these issues, such as the Women's Consultation Group, an organization founded in 2015 by Pope Francis to advise him on issues affecting women within the Church.

The episode concludes with some final thoughts on the role of women in the Vatican. It highlights the great strides that have been made over the years in recognizing women's contributions to the Church and acknowledges that there is still more work to be done. The episode encourages viewers to continue to work towards greater inclusivity and equality within the Church and highlights the many ways in which women are making their voices heard.

Overall, Did You Know? season 1 episode 9 is a thought-provoking and informative look at the role of women in the Vatican. It examines the challenges faced by women in one of the most male-dominated institutions in the world and highlights the efforts being made to address these issues. The episode encourages viewers to consider the ways in which they can support greater inclusivity and equality for women within the Church and beyond.