Watch: what Pope Francis said on female genital mutilation, Iran anti-hijab protests, equality for women

Pope Francis strongly condemned the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in a speech on 6 November 2022. Calling the ritual cutting of girls' external genitalia a "criminal act" and "tragedy", the Pope said that it was "terrible" that humanity had not been able to stop the practice yet.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church had been asked about the protests against hijab rules in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini. Pope Francis did not directly comment on the issue, but spoke about women being treated as second-class citizens or worse in many cultures around the world.

Francis said that the fight must continue "because women are a gift", and "God created two equals: man and woman". However, Francis himself is yet to allow women to become priests or deacons within the Roman Catholic Church.

Also Read:'Sacred Games' actor Elnaaz Norouzi strips in support of Iran's anti-hijab protests: 'Freedom of choice'