I was a bit taken aback when I read the following quote from St. Pope Paul VI cited in Kathryn Jean Lopez’s piece, “A surprising messenger” in the Jan. 13 issue: “Women of the entire universe, whether Christian or non-believing, you to whom life is entrusted at this grave moment in history, it is for you to save the peace of the world.”

I think this is a rather heavy mantle to place on women. Yes, most women are natural nurturers, collaborators, and peacemakers, and do our best to use these qualities for the betterment of all, including teaching them to our children. But in today’s world of escalating violence and the subjugation of women, with most positions of power still in the hands of men, we could really use the partnership of enlightened men everywhere. 

Saving the peace of the world is an all-hands-on-deck job!

— Joanna Ryder, American Martyrs Church, Manhattan Beach