Pope calls on US religious sisters to foster unity, promote vocations
August 12, 2026
In a video message released today, Pope Leo XIV encouraged members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) to “remember the need to foster unity within and among your Institutes as well as in the broader Church.”
The Pontiff also spoke of the importance of religious institutes’ founding charisms and the need to promote religious vocations.
“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,” Pope Leo said to participants in the LCWR’s general assembly, which is taking place at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.
In expressing gratitude for “the longstanding contributions of your Institutes in the fields of evangelization, education and caring for the poor and marginalized,” the Pope said that he prayed that “you will especially keep in mind the specific charisms entrusted by God to the founders and foundresses of your respective communities.”
“In order to promote the authentic flourishing of consecrated life, the work of fostering religious vocations is of vital importance,” Pope Leo added. “In your interactions with the young people, therefore, try 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.”
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