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Pope Leo’s video message on the occasion of the annual assembly
of the “leadership conference of women religious”
on the 70thanniversary of its foundation
[Rosen Center, Orlando (Florida), 11-14 August 2026]
“Many Charisms, One Spirit, One Call,”
Revelation 2:7
‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
To him who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Pope Leo’s video message,
Dear friends in Christ,
I cordially greet the members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCRW) in the United States of America, who are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the organization’s founding at their 2026 Annual Assembly.
I also offer my prayers and best wishes to the religious women and men from various congregations throughout the Americas who are participating in this year’s event.
Although you come from communities with different histories and apostolates, it is important to foster unity within and among your institutes, as well as within the broader church.
All Christians are called to build Christ’s communion in a synodal Church, where everyone cooperates in the same mission according to their charism and ministry.
Those in religious life, in particular, are called to become experts in synodality, given the opportunities that community life affords to practice it and the way your congregations are organized.
I was therefore pleased to learn that the Assembly’s proceedings will include a synodal method of listening, discussing, and discerning with openness and willingness to understand others.
Through this format of fraternal and receptive dialogue, I hope you will discern what the Holy Spirit is saying about the present and future of consecrated life in the nations where you serve.
Throughout history, consecrated women and men have helped make the mission and mystery of the Church visible in our world through the many charisms bestowed by the Holy Spirit.
I express gratitude for your institutes’ longstanding contributions in evangelization, education, and caring for the poor and marginalized, to name a few.
As you reflect on your theme, “Many Charisms, One Spirit, One Call,” I pray that you will keep in mind the specific charisms God entrusted to the founders and foundresses of your communities.
The Church needs you and the diversity of forms of consecration and ministry that you represent.
With your vitality and witness to a life centered on Jesus, you can contribute to awakening the world.
Together, you can confront the globalization of indifference and powerlessness with Christ’s love and mercy.
To promote the authentic flourishing of consecrated life, fostering religious vocations is vital.
Many of us have personally experienced the joy, peace, and fulfillment that come from answering Christ’s call to follow him with an undivided heart through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Despite the increasing phenomenon of secularization in the world today, 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” (Prayer Vigil, 9 June 2026).
Therefore, in your interactions with young people, try to find ways to introduce them to your way of life and help them hear the voice of the Lord, who speaks to us in the depths of our hearts.
Encourage them to respond courageously to Jesus, who is never outdone in generosity. Help them share in the joy that comes from following his call.
With these sentiments, I wish you a fruitful gathering and assure you of my spiritual closeness.
I entrust the work of the Assembly to the maternal protection of Mary, Mother of the Church. May she intercede for all of you and the communities you represent.
May Almighty God bless you all, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
