Archbishop sparks feminist frenzy after claiming 'obedient Virgin Mary' provides lesson for women

The cleric, who serves as the Vatican's diplomatic representative to the Central African Republic and Chad, was reflecting on Mary's acceptance of God's will at the Annunciation when he made the comments that have since drawn fierce criticism.

Speaking to the congregation, Laterza declared: "Mary is truly free, free because she knows how to obey.

"You see, Mary is truly the freest person in the world because she knows how to obey. You should tell this to some feminists."

The archbishop was discussing what he considered the virtuous qualities displayed by Christ's mother when she accepted her role in the birth of the Saviour.

His remarks were subsequently reported by local news outlet Oggi Conversano, prompting a wave of condemnation from commentators and campaigners who took issue with his characterisation of female freedom.

Anna Maria Candela, a journalist writing for Oggi Conversano, accused the archbishop of portraying women as subordinate figures lacking the capacity for independent decision-making.

She argued his perspective ignored reforms brought about by the Second Vatican Council during the 1960s and compared his apparent view of feminists to "modern witches to be subjected to the Holy Inquisition".

Tea Dubois, a women's rights campaigner from the Puglia region, expressed similar outrage.

She contended that the figure of Mary continues to be deployed as a means of dictating to women about their lives and bodily autonomy, describing Mary instead as embodying "female courage" rather than submission.

In response to the backlash, Mr Laterza maintained that reading his homily in full would make clear he was addressing the concept of Christian freedom, which he said derives solely from one's relationship with God.

"If someone was offended, I humbly apologise. It wasn't my intention to insult the role of women, still less their freedom," the archbishop stated.

He also pointed to his professional work on the African continent, saying he dedicates himself daily to upholding the dignity of women there, particularly through efforts to educate young girls.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo has delivered an unexpectedly pointed message by drawing parallels between the biblical nativity and the plight of Palestinians sheltering in tents across Gaza in his inaugural Christmas sermon.

The American pontiff, elected to the papacy in May following the death of Pope Francis, departed from his characteristically reserved approach to political matters.

Addressing thousands gathered at St Peter's Basilica on Thursday, he referenced Jesus's birth in a stable as God having "pitched his fragile tent" amongst humanity.

Pope Leo then posed a direct question: "How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?"

The intervention represented an unusual departure from the solemn, spiritual tone typically maintained during the Christmas Day service.

The pontiff's Christmas message went on to extend to numerous global conflicts, with a call for the "clamour of weapons cease" across war-torn regions worldwide.

He urged those involved in the Ukrainian conflict, where Russian forces continue threatening critical eastern cities, to pursue "sincere, direct and respectful dialogue" with backing from the international community.

The Pontiff's address then referenced violence in Sudan, Mali, and Myanmar amongst other troubled regions.

The Pope made specific mention of border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, which has entered its third week with at least 80 casualties, requesting that the nations restore their "ancient friendship" to achieve reconciliation.

He spoke of "defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds".