Pope Leo XIV highlighted religious women's and men's work making "the mission and mystery of the Church visible in our world."
"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 said during the Leadership Conference of Women Religious' (LCWR) 70th anniversary celebration being held in Orlando, Florida, Aug. 11–14.
"In a special way, those in religious life are called to become experts in synodality due to the opportunities afforded by community life to practice it, as well as the very way that your congregations are organized," he said.
The celebration, part of the group's 2026 annual assembly, brings together women religious from Canada, the United States, and Latin America to foster fellowship and honor decades of ministry.
"Even though you come from communities with different histories and apostolates, it is important to remember the need to foster unity within and among your institutes as well as in the broader Church," the pope said.
The gathering features numerous talks from religious women, reflections, and time in prayer and adoration.
The Holy Father further highlighted synodality in his message, sharing he "was pleased to learn that the assembly's proceedings will include a synodal method of listening, discussion, and discernment, with an openness and a willingness to understand what others are saying."
'The Church needs you'
The Holy Father further expressed his gratitude for "the long-standing contributions" of religious institutions, highlighting their work in "the fields of evangelization, education, and caring for the poor and marginalized."
"As you reflect on your theme of 'Many Charisms, One Spirit, One Call,' I pray that you will especially keep in mind the specific charisms entrusted by God to the founders and foundresses of your respective communities," he said,
"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 said.
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."
Pope Leo XIV
The Holy Father detailed that fostering religious vocations is of "vital importance."
"Today, despite the increasing phenomenon of secularization in the world, there is also a growing hunger for God. Indeed, as I recently observed on my apostolic journey to Spain, 'Many young people and adults are rediscovering the Christian faith, sometimes after having drifted away from God over a period of time,'" he said.
In conversation with young people, the Holy Father called on religious women and men "to seek ways to introduce them 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."
"Encourage them to be courageous in responding to Jesus, who is never outdone in generosity, so that they too may share the joy that comes from following his call," he said.
Pope Leo concluded wishing the group "a fruitful gathering" and entrusted their work to the maternal protection of Mary, Mother of the Church.
