Pope Leo expressed gratitude for “the longstanding contributions” of religious institutions, highlighting their work in “evangelization, education, and caring for the poor and marginalized.”
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 Christʼs 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.
