Pope Leo XIV receives International Commission of Contemplative Dominican Nuns

Pope Leo XIV met with the International Commission of Contemplative Dominican Nuns on Sept. 30 to affirm that their contemplative vocation is the heart of the Church's mission rather than something on the margins. Addressing the federation presidents at the Apostolic Palace, the pope encouraged the sisters to move beyond simply maintaining emptying structures and instead listen to what the Holy Spirit asks of them.

The pope noted that the sisters face challenges including aging communities, financial pressures, and uncertainty regarding the future of monasteries. He urged them to avoid a survival spirit and to instead create oases of peace where people can still the restlessness of the world to listen to God. He described contemplation as the breath of a relationship with God, where one welcomes the Word to be transformed by it.

During the meeting, the pope recalled the recent recognition of the heroic virtues of Maria Petra Giordano, a Dominican nun. He also reflected on the early traditions of the Dominican Order, noting that from the beginning, nuns devoted themselves to prayer, study, and penance to accompany the preaching of their brothers. He called on the leaders of the various unions to protect these values and to ensure that visits to monasteries remain moments of prayer, listening, and reconciliation.