By Kielce Gussie
Marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the United States, Pope Leo XIV sent a video message to participants in its 2026 Annual Assembly.
He offered “prayerful good wishes” to the women and men religious in different congregations throughout the Americas partaking in this event.
The Pope stressed the importance remembering the “need to foster unity within and among” the Institutes in the midst of such different communities, histories, and missions. “All Christians are called to be builders of Christ’s communion, formed in a synodal Church in which everyone cooperates in the same mission according to their own charism and ministry,” he explained.
Specifically addressing women and men in religious life, Pope Leo called them to be experts in synodality through their experiences in community life. He praised the synodal aspect of the Assembly and expressed his hope that the group will be able to discern the Holy Spirit’s promptings regarding consecrated life.
Many charisms, one call
The many different charisms that the Holy Spirit has given communities throughout history have enabled consecrated people to “make the mission and mystery of the Church visible in our world.”
Here, the Pope conveyed his gratitude for the various Institutes’ contributions in the areas of evangelization, education, and care for the poor.
Reflecting on the theme of the Assembly—“Many Charisms, One Spirit, One Call”—Pope Leo encouraged everyone present to keep their respective community’s charisms in mind. “The Church needs you and all of the diversity and richness of the forms of consecration and ministry that you represent, for with your vitality and the witness of a life centered on Jesus, you can contribute to waking up the world,” he stressed.
If they do so, the Pope said, they will be able to confront the “globalization of indifference and of powerlessness with the remedy of Christ’s love and mercy.”
Hope in the young
Fostering religious vocations is essential and fundamental to the flourishing of consecrated life. Even in the midst of the ever-growing secularized world, Pope Leo highlighted that “many of us have personally experienced Christ’s call to follow him” through the taking of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Even today, there remains a “growing hunger for God”, he said.
Many young people are rediscovering their faith after perhaps drifting away from it. This is why the interactions religious women have with young people are so important. Pope Leo challenged the assembly to “seek ways to introduce to your way of life, and help them to hear the voice of the Lord, who speaks to us in the depths of our hearts.”
The Pope urged the group to encourage young people to be brave in answering God, so that they might experience the joy that comes from following his call.
Bringing his address to a close, the Pope wished the Assembly a fruitful gathering and assured them all of his prayers. He entrusted their work to Mary’s protection, “that she may intercede for all of you and for the communities which you represent.” – Vatican News
