Listening key to stronger Church, former Holy See ambassador says

Former Australian ambassador to the Holy See Chiara Porro says listening to one another will be essential if the Catholic Church is to respond effectively to the challenges it faces.

Ms Porro made the remarks when asked about collaboration between men and women in the Church following her keynote address at the Archdiocesan Women’s Taskforce International Women’s Day breakfast.

“I think listening is the key principle here. It’s listening to others’ views, not coming to discussions with a preconceived idea.

“Everyone has their own ideas and preconceptions, but it’s about challenging that and coming to the table with an open mind so we can work together properly.

“That’s the only way we will effectively address the challenges we’re facing today.”

Ms Porro was Australia’s ambassador to the Vatican from 2020 to 2024, arriving in Rome during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Vatican is the smallest city-state in the world, but also one of the oldest institutions,” she said.

“The Pope has the ear of 1.4 billion Catholics and oversees the largest non-government provider of education and healthcare.

“In many places, including parts of Africa, the Catholic Church is the main provider of healthcare and education.”

Ms Porro said her time in Rome coincided with the final years of Pope Francis’ papacy and his push for broader participation in Church decision-making.

She recalled her first meeting with the Pope shortly after arriving.

“I can say unequivocally that I had never been listened to so intently by anyone,” she said.

“He told me his door was always open and that he thought the women ambassadors were some of the most impressive at the Vatican.”

Ms Porro said she was struck by the small number of women in senior roles.

“I could count the women in senior positions on my fingers — probably just one hand,” she said.

Promoting women’s leadership became a focus of her diplomatic work.

“I promotedwomen in leadership because good leadership benefits from different perspectives, experiences and skills.”

She worked closely with women religious through the International Union of Superiors General and hosted workshops to strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills.

“These women are running schools, hospitals, supporting the poor and the marginalised, addressing climate change, human trafficking and migration,” she said.

“They are the face of the Catholic Church around the world.

“Yet their experience was not always reflected in the Church’s approach globally.”

Ms Porro also highlighted the contribution of Australian women to the life of the Church, including St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Vatican pioneer Rosemary Goldie.

“Nearly 60 years ago Rosemary Goldie became the first woman to hold an executive appointment in the Vatican,” she said.

“She paved the way for many of the appointments we see today.”

Chiara Porro with students who attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast held in Canberra

While she encountered frustration among some Catholics about the pace of change, Ms Porro said cooperation remained essential.

“Sometimes the frustration and anger of some women was directed at other women,” she said. “But that doesn’t get us anywhere.

“We need to work together — men and women — to achieve the change we want.”

Archdiocesan Women’s Taskforce president Helena Zobec said the annual breakfast also raised funds for Marymead CatholicCare’s McKillop House.

“Today was a fundraising event for McKillop House and we’ve had wonderful support,” she said.

“There are a number of schools represented this morning, which is wonderful.”

Ms Porro concluded by encouraging young women to pursue opportunities with confidence.

“The world is changing. There are opportunities — grab them where you can and don’t hold yourself back.”