Countdown to the New Pope: Women's Religious Orders Stepping Up to Carry the Torch
Gathering of nuns, who lack the right to vote in the conclave, convene in Rome, leading global religious orders.
With the papal conclave looming ahead, nearly 900 leaders of female religious orders are gathered in Rome to chart a course for the future. Just a stone's throw from where cardinals will cast their votes to pick Pope Francis' successor, these women are preparing to shoulder the responsibility of keeping his vision alive.
Sister Mary Barron, head of the umbrella group of leaders representing women's religious orders worldwide, called on these ladies, who are scattered across various ministries, to pray for the cardinals to make a sound decision and to ponder on the path ahead.
"We must remain vigilant in maintaining the flame of church renewal alive," she told the assembly, made up of sisterhood dressed in casual wear and traditional habits. Many had earphones over their veils, translated simultaneously across languages.
The International Union of Superiors General, representing more than 450,000 nuns worldwide, is holding their plenary assembly this week - right when the 133 cardinal electors enter the Sistine Chapel to elect the new pope.
While the Catholic Church restricts the priesthood to men, it's the women who'll ensure Pope Francis' vision of a church that listens to everyone and serves as a witness for change continues to resonate.
Barron urged her fellow sisters to continue embracing Francis' vision of a church that echoes the voice of the voiceless. Quoting from poets Emily Dickinson and Maya Angelou, she also encouraged her orders to not just meet the world's direst needs but to do so as a beacon of hope.
"Our path may not be bright or conventional, but it's illuminated by hope's language," Barron said. During the opening prayer, the sisters joined hands, telling each other in multiple languages, "We are pilgrims of hope."
Among the assembly in a conference hotel on Rome's outskirts was Sister Nathalie Becquart, Pope Francis' first female undersecretary in the Vatican's Synod of Bishops office. Many saw her appointment as a sign that the Church's rigid male hierarchy might finally give way to allow women to assume high-level positions.
With women's religious orders playing a pivotal role in shaping the Church's future, it'sessential to understand their importance within the institution. They have been instrumental in providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and social work, advocating for social justice and caring for the marginalized[1]. Pope Francis has supported their inclusion in church governance[3].
The presence of a female undersecretary may revolutionize decision-making processes within the Vatican, bringing diverse perspectives and potentially prompting institutional change. This appointment could serve as a powerful symbol of the Church's commitment to gender equality in leadership roles, inspiring further reforms[5].
However, the journey towards fully incorporating women into the Church's leadership has its hurdles, with the issue of female ordination still a taboo[5]. The progress under Pope Francis has been gradual, and the outcome will hinge on the sustainability and expansion of these reforms moving forward.
- In the bustling conference hotel on Rome's outskirts, the International Union of Superiors General, a body representing over 450,000 nuns worldwide, gathered with news of the papal conclave in the air.
- As the cardinals were about to cast their votes to elect the new pope, these women, scattered across various ministries, were praying for a sound decision and looking forward to maintaining Pope Francis' vision.
- Sister Nathalie Becquart, the first female undersecretary in the Vatican's Synod of Bishops office, was among them, offering a glimmer of hope for a more inclusive Church.
- Wearing headphones over their veils, these women, dressed in both casual wear and traditional habits, listened to translations of Sister Mary Barron's call to keep the flame of church renewal alive.
- Barron urged her fellow sisters to lead with hope, embodying Pope Francis' vision of a Church that listens to everyone and serves as a witness for change, a vision that resonates in the hearts of many, especially in the business of social justice and finance.
