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Pope Leo XIV Encourages Poor Clare Nuns to Renew Commitment Amid Vocation Decline
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns of Italy to remain hopeful and to renew their spiritual commitment despite a decline in vocations during an audience on September 25.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns of Italy to remain hopeful and to renew their spiritual commitment despite a decline in vocations during an audience on September 25. The pontiff addressed the nuns' concerns about the numerical decline of their communities and the potential loss of autonomy, urging them not to be discouraged.
Founded in 1535 by Spanish nun Blessed Maria Lorenza Longo, the Capuchin Poor Clares are a branch of the Poor Clares, a religious order known for their commitment to poverty and contemplative life. Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the lack of vocations should not lead to hopelessness but rather serve as a call to strengthen their dedication to their spiritual values.
The audience took place as part of a broader context of declining religious vocations in Italy and beyond. The Pope's message to the nuns reflects a broader effort to inspire and support religious communities facing similar challenges.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of maintaining hope and resilience in the face of challenges. He encouraged the nuns to view the decline in vocations as an opportunity to deepen their commitment to their mission and values.
The Pope's visit to the nuns comes at a time when he is also preparing for his Apostolic Journey to France from September 25 to 28. During this trip, he will meet with civil authorities, young people, and the Church, visit UNESCO in Paris, and hold an encounter in Metz focused on Europe, peace, and unity.
The journey to France will be the ninth country Pope Leo XIV visits (tenth if counting the Pastoral visit to San Marino in August 2026). The trip includes meetings with French authorities and state representatives, encounters with young people and the local clergy, visits to charity initiatives, and a visit to UNESCO headquarters.
What this adds
The Pope's message to the nuns is part of a broader effort to address declining religious vocations and to inspire religious communities to renew their commitment.
The audience with the Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns took place on the same day as a press conference detailing the Pope's upcoming trip to France.
What's confirmed
- “The numerical decline of communities, and the fear of losing their autonomy that may result from it, should neither trouble you nor deprive you of hope,” Leo said.
- The pontiff held an audience with the Federation of Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns of Italy on Sept.
- Pope Leo XIV has encouraged the Poor Clares not to be discouraged by their lack of vocations but to view it as a call to renew their commitment.
- The Capuchin Poor Clares, a branch of the Poor Clares, was founded in 1535 by the Spanish nun Blessed Maria Lorenza Longo.
- Addressing the lack of vocations to their order and throughout Italy, Leo encouraged them not to give in to hopelessness and to renew their commitment to their spiritual values.
What's still developing
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- Behind a modern hospital in Rome’s Trastevere region stands the remains of a nearly-800-year-old monastery that once housed Franciscan nuns.
- During a press conference held at the Holy See’s Press Office on Friday, September 18, the Director of the Press Office, Matteo Bruni, illustrated the Pope’s Journey, which will take him to Paris, Lourdes and the northeastern city of Metz.