Pope Francis on Sunday paid tribute to the role of women around the world, calling a world that marginalises women as "sterile."

The statement was part of an address before crowds that gathered to recite the Angelus in St Peter's Square with the Pope. In his address, Pope Francis told the crowds that women have a unique perspective on things and they pass that on to the next generation when they become mothers.

"Not only do women carry life," the Catholic News Agency quoted the Pope as saying. "[B]ut they transmit to us the capacity to see otherwise– they see things differently."

The Pope also said that women give people the ability "understand the world with different eyes, to feel the most creative, most patient, most tender things with the heart."

He then spoke out against efforts in society that aim to alienate women.

"A world where women are marginalised is a sterile world," the Pope told the crowds gathered in St Peter's Square.

The Pope then thanked women all over the world who are trying to make a difference in society and referred to them as people who "bear witness to the Gospel and work in the Church."

Pope Francis' address coincided with the annual celebration of International Women's Day on Sunday, as well as with the "Voices of Faith" conference in the Vatican on the same day. 

The conference was a gathering of notable women with the aim of giving women a voice in society. Attendees included human rights activists, policy makers and academics. During the conference, attendees revealed their work in advocating against poverty, defending human rights and dignity, and fostering equality.