The Vatican's trouble with women

It has been an interesting month for Catholic gender politics. First, the Pontifical Council for Culture announced that its 4-7 February assembly would be on “Women’s Cultures: Equality and Difference”. The council produced a short video, encouraging women around the world to submit a photo or make a one-minute video about their hopes and dreams. A fluffy blonde who looked as if she were advertising feminine hygiene products assured us that "we want to know". The video was greeted with derision for the timing as well as the style. Not only did it give each woman a minute in which to tell her story, it was also released on 23 December and the deadline for submissions was 4 January – the busiest time of year for many women. Moreover, the format limited it to women