"I thank the promoters of the initiative 'A Long Wave Against Male Violence Against Women,' which allows us to reflect on a highly topical issue. Indeed, violence against women is a poisonous weed that plagues our society and must be eradicated from the roots. These roots are cultural and mental; they grow in the soil of prejudice, of possession, of injustice". Thus opens Pope Francis' message, aired on yesterday morning's 8 a.m. radio news, on the occasion of the day dedicated by Radio 1 to the fight against violence against women. "In too many places and too many situations," Pope Francis continued, "women are put in the background, they are considered 'inferior', like objects: and if a person is reduced to a thing, then her dignity is no longer seen, she is considered only a piece of property that can be disposed of in everything, even to the point of suppressing her. How many women are overwhelmed by the burden and drama of violence! How many are mistreated, abused, enslaved, victims of the bullying of those who think they can dispose of their bodies and lives, forced to surrender to the greed of men. Unfortunately, the mass media still play an ambiguous role on this. On the one hand, they promote the respect and advancement of women; on the other hand, they continuously convey messages marked by hedonism and consumerism, whose models, both male and female, obey the criteria of success, self-assertion, competition, and the power to attract others and dominate them. However, where there is domination there is abuse! It is not love that demands captives. The Lord wants us free and in full dignity! Faced with the scourge of physical and psychological abuse of women, there is an urgent need to rediscover just and balanced forms of relationships based on mutual respect and recognition. Conditioning of all kinds must be countered with educational action that, starting with the family, places the person with her dignity at the center. It is our duty, and everyone's responsibility, to give voice to our voiceless sisters: women who are victims of abuse, exploitation, marginalization and undue pressure. Let us not remain indifferent! It is necessary to act now, at all levels, with determination, urgency, courage. From the heart and flesh of a woman came salvation into the world; from how we treat women, in all their dimensions, our degree of humanity is revealed. Dear friends, I wish that this 'wave', which you set off today, will indeed be a long one and may contribute to a change of mentality. I bless you and encourage you to go forward in this endeavor. Thank you and good work!"
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