Pope offers encouragement, advice to Capuchin Poor Clare nuns amid declining vocations

September 22, 2026

Pope Leo XIV offered encouragement and advice to members of the Federation of Capuchin Poor Clares of Italy amid declining vocations.

A reduction in the number of communities “should encourage a renewal of your way of life and an even greater commitment to the spiritual accompaniment of those who knock at the doors of convents, helping joyful and vibrant communities to grow, where people can experience intimacy with God, kindness, communion, and authentic relationship,” Pope Leo said during the September 21 audience, which took place in Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

“Vocations are not born from the application of organizational strategies or carefully devised campaigns, but from prayer, familiarity with the Gospel, silence, the ability to welcome one another with our imperfections, and a sense of belonging to a whole that creates unity,” the Pope added.

The Capuchin Poor Clares have 1,562 members in 130 religious houses, according to the online edition of the Annuario Pontificio.

 

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Further information:

• Participants in the Assembly of the Federation of the Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns of Italy (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 9/21/26)
• Pope to Poor Clare nuns: Vocations are born from community’s prayer (Vatican News, 9/20/26)