In Rome, while the cardinals are preparing to meet in a conclave to elect a new pope, nearly 900 leaders of women’s Catholic communities convened to discuss their future direction amidst the current religious landscape. Sister Mary Barron, who chairs the organization representing women’s religious orders globally, encouraged the assembled sisters—and their congregations of over 650,000 nuns around the world—to support the cardinal’s decision-making with their prayers and to reflect upon continuing Pope Francis’ progressive vision for the Church.
The International Union of Superiors General initiated its assembly this week, coinciding with the cardinals’ conclave beginning Wednesday. As the Catholic Church entrusts the priesthood exclusively to men, the cardinals, all male, will once again undertake the task of selecting a new pontiff for over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Of the 133 voting cardinals, 108 have been appointed by Pope Francis himself.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Sister Nathalie Becquart, who in a significant gesture by Pope Francis in 2021, became the first woman appointed as an undersecretary in the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops. This, alongside Sister Raffaella Petrini’s ascension as president of the Vatican City State, is seen by many as a promising sign that women may begin to gain more influential roles within the predominantly male hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
Sister Delphine Kalisha from the Sisters of Mercy in Zambia expressed optimism that the new pope will continue to empower women within ecclesiastical roles. “That has given us hope for women in the church,” noted Kalisha.
Sister Becquart emphasized the sisters’ desire for their voices to be adequately recognized, stating, “Whether you are a cardinal or a young sister, we are all called to be key participants in the Church’s mission.”
The assembly of religious leaders discussed subjects of global concern, such as wars, migration, human trafficking, climate change, and economic disparity. Sister Graciela Trivilino from Argentina emphasized applying the Gospel to practical aspects of daily life, calling for a continuation of engaging with society’s most marginalized.
Such public ministries, whether through education and health as articulated by leaders from Argentina to Zambia or through hands-on community work as seen in the efforts of Sister Maria Agnese Ciarrocco in Sicily, were validated as essential Church activities that align with Pope Francis’s priorities.
Sister Mary Barron emphasized the need to sustain church renewal by adopting a broad, inclusive vision, quoting distinguished poets like Emily Dickinson and Maya Angelou to inspire a hopeful yet proactive path forward.
Concerns were raised about declining vocations, even in traditionally strong regions like Africa, with Sister Theodosia Baki of the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis underlining the crucial, albeit challenging, outreach work her order conducts, focusing on education and the welfare of refugees across several African nations.
Despite obstacles, including bureaucratic challenges like visa acquisition for missionaries, Barron noted that the opportunities for religious women to make significant impacts within the Church and the world are expanding. “I think right now in the Church and the world there are so many opportunities for consecrated life to make a difference,” she reiterated.