Archbishop Laterza Apologized for True Remarks About Feminism

Archbishop Giuseppe Laterza, 55, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Central African Republic and Chad, has apologized conditionally following criticism over remarks he made during an Advent homily - while at least defending the substance of his remarks.
Background to the Controversy
The controversy stems from a homily delivered on 20 December 2025 during the Christmas novena at Conversano Cathedral in southern Italy. During the sermon, Archbishop Laterza reflected on the Annunciation:
“Mary is truly free because she knows how to obey.
Mary is the freest woman in the world… we should tell this to some feminists.”
The homily was livestreamed on the cathedral’s official social media channels, and clips were later widely shared online. The phrase “ditelo alle femministe” (“tell that to feminists”) quickly became the focal point of public backlash.
Archbishop Laterza’s Response
Archbishop Laterza told La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno in an interview published on 22 December 2025 that his words had …More