"Anyone who works with the Holy See network will be aware of the vital role played by women religious in almost every aspect of Church life on the ground and across the world, be it in education, development work, health care, managing parishes, supporting papal nuncios, or spreading the word about the faith," wrote Nigel Baker, who is not a Catholic.

"I wonder whether the Holy See is doing all it might to mobilise this great resource — Catholic women worldwide? No society can afford not to do so."

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