Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/331321 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
GLO Discussion Paper No. 1691
Publisher: 
Global Labor Organization (GLO), Essen
Abstract: 
This study examines the influence of religious leaders on social attitudes by analysing Pope Francis' impact on beliefs about the justification of violence against women (VAW). Using a content analysis of his speeches, we document sustained engagement with topics related to women's rights. Exploiting variation in speech timing, religious affiliation, and proximity to the Vatican, we find that greater exposure to the Pope's statements is associated with lower acceptance of VAW. The effect appears to operate through heightened salience of religious values, reinforcing moral norms, and immediate increases in online search activity and media coverage of VAW-related topics. These findings highlight the power of religious authority figures to shape social attitudes and public discourse on gender-based violence.
Subjects: 
Religion
Leaders
Pope Francis
Violence Against Women
Intimate Partner Violence
JEL: 
D83
D91
I31
J10
J16
Z12
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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