This is reported by the Spanish portal "Vida Nueva" citing the book "León XIV, portrait d'un pape péruvien" ("Leo XIV., portrait of a Peruvian pope") by theologians César Piscoya and Véronique Lecaros.
According to this, Robert Prevost recognized early on the central role of women in church and social life and gave them responsibility in the organization of communities and catechesis.
The research shows that already in the 1980s in Chulucanas, Prevost actively involved women in pastoral work.
Later, in the 1990s in Trujillo, he encouraged his Augustinian confreres to work with women on an equal footing and share responsibility.
Among other things, women took over the coordination of pastoral programs and the management of working groups.
Independent actors
Even later, as Bishop of Chiclayo (2016–2022), Prevost continued this approach. According to Piscoya and Lecaros, he put several women at the forefront of training and organizational tasks in pastoral care.
According to the book, two main principles shaped Prevost’s work: co-responsibility and dignity.
Women should not only be active in the Church in a supportive manner, but should participate as independent actors in the design of church life.
A layperson described the changes thus: "We were considered active protagonists within the Church to initiate processes that were previously reserved primarily for priests or religious women."
According to the authors, there was resistance from some circles, but Prevost’s trust in lay people – especially in women – was crucial.