” “"The history of Christianity would have had a far different development were it not for the generous contribution of many women", went on the Pope, during this morning’s general audience. Then, as he quoted a passage of the Mulieris dignitatem, Benedict XVI shared John Paul II’s praise: "The Church thanks all the women and each one of them… The Church is thankful for the proofs of female genius that have been given over the course of history, amidst all peoples and all nations; it is thankful for all the charismas that the Holy Spirit lavishes on women through the history of God’s People, for all the victories that it owes to their faith, hope and love: it is thankful for all the fruits of female holiness". A praise to women, that, commented the Pope, "is voiced on behalf of the whole ecclesial community. We too join this praise and thank the God because He leads His Church, generation by generation, using men and women without distinction". As he referred to two "seemingly contradictory" statements by Saint Paul, about the possibility of authorising women to speak at assemblies, Benedict XVI suggested: "Let’s leave this problem to the exegetes".” “
