Pope Leo XIV has encouraged men and women religious to remain rooted in their charism while remaining attentive to the signs of the times, reminding them that their founders were able to respond with courage and discernment to the needs of their day.
Addressing representatives of the Marist missionaries, Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, and Ursulines of Mary Immaculate gathered in Rome for their chapters and assemblies, the Pope recalled how their founders and foundresses “successfully interpreted the signs of the times and responded wisely to new needs.”
In his discourse, the Pope reflected on the importance of community life in religious vocation, on obedience as an act of love, and on how vital it is for the religious to be open to the signs of the times.
He recalled that their history is “a splendid and varied testimony, reflecting the multiplicity of gifts bestowed by God on founders and foundresses who, in openness to the working of the Holy Spirit, successfully interpreted the signs of the times and responded wisely to new needs.”
“Pope encourages religious to always read signs of the times,” Independent Catholic News, 18 September 2025. Available online at: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53288
Post expires on November 24th, 2025
