Pope Leo XIV has stated that those living the religious life are called to become «experts in synodality» and has valued the use of a synodal method of dialogue and discernment during the annual assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), which is being held in Orlando, United States, from August 11 to 14.
In a video message sent on the occasion of the organization’s 70th anniversary, the Pontiff has presented synodality as a dimension of ecclesial communion and has asked the consecrated to contribute to it from their own charisms and ministries. Along with this approach, Leo XIV has exhorted the congregations to preserve the charisms received from their founders and has described the work for religious vocations as being of «fundamental importance,» expressly recalling Christ’s call to follow him through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Below, we offer the full video message of Pope Leo XIV:
Dear friends in Christ:
I cordially greet the members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the United States of America, who are celebrating the 70th anniversary of its foundation during the 2026 Annual Assembly. Likewise, I offer my best wishes and prayers to the religious sisters and brothers from various congregations throughout America who are participating in this year’s event.
Although you come from communities with different histories and apostolates, it is important to remember the need to promote unity within your institutes and among them, as well as in the Church in general. All Christians are called to be builders of Christ’s communion, which takes shape in a synodal Church in which each one cooperates in the same mission according to their own charism and ministry (cf. Extraordinary Consistory: Opening Address, June 26, 2026).
In a special way, members of the religious life are called to become experts in synodality because of the opportunities for practicing it offered by community life, as well as by the very way in which your congregations are organized (cf. Meeting with Participants in the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, October 10, 2025).
In this regard, I was pleased to learn that the Assembly’s procedures will include a synodal method of listening, sharing, and discernment, with openness and willingness to understand what others are saying. Therefore, I hope that, through this format of fraternal and receptive dialogue, you may discern what the Holy Spirit is saying (cf. Rev 2:7) about the present and future of consecrated life in the nations where you serve.
In a particular way, through the numerous charisms granted by the Holy Spirit throughout history, consecrated women and men have contributed to making the mission and mystery of the Church visible in our world (cf. Saint John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Vita consecrata, n. 1).
In this regard, I express my gratitude for the lasting contributions of your institutes in the areas of evangelization, education, and care for the poor and marginalized, to mention just a few.
As you reflect on your theme, «Many Charisms, One Spirit, One Call,» I pray that you will especially keep in mind the specific charisms that God entrusted to the founders and foundresses of your respective communities.
The Church needs you and all the diversity and richness of the forms of consecration and ministry that you represent, because with your vitality and your witness of a life centered on Jesus, you can contribute to awakening the world (cf. Meeting with Participants in the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, October 10, 2025).
Thus, together, you will be able to confront the globalization of indifference and powerlessness with the remedy of Christ’s love and mercy.
To promote the authentic flourishing of consecrated life, the work of fostering religious vocations is of fundamental importance. As many of us have personally experienced, Christ’s call to follow him with an undivided heart through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience brings joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Today, despite the growing phenomenon of secularization in the world, there is also a growing hunger for God. In fact, as I recently observed during my apostolic journey to Spain, «numerous young people and adults are rediscovering the Christian faith, perhaps after a period in their lives when they had drifted somewhat away from God» (Prayer Vigil, June 9, 2026).
Therefore, in your relationships with young people, seek ways to make your way of life known to them and help them listen to the voice of the Lord, who speaks to us in the depths of our hearts.
Encourage them to have the courage to respond to Jesus, whom no one can surpass in generosity, so that they too may share 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, that she may intercede for all of you and for the communities you represent.
And may Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you. Amen.