Global Gathering of Nuns in Rome Supports Papal Conclave and Church Renewal Under Pope Francis

Nearly 900 superiors of women’s religious orders from around the world have gathered in Rome for the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) plenary assembly, coinciding with the papal conclave following Pope Francis' death on April 21, 2025. Although they cannot vote, these women are supporting the conclave through prayer and dialogue, aligning with Pope Francis' vision of a more inclusive Church. The assembly, starting May 5, 2025, focuses on synodality, spiritual renewal, and the evolving role of women in the Church, with notable attendees like Sister Nathalie Becquart highlighting progress in women's roles.

A Global Gathering of Women Religious

The UISG plenary assembly, held at a conference hotel on the outskirts of Rome, brings together superiors representing more than 450,000 Catholic sisters from 75 countries. This year’s assembly is particularly significant, coinciding with the papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. While the Church’s rules reserve the right to elect a pope to male cardinals under the age of 80, the women religious gathered in Rome are actively engaging in the Church’s future through prayer, dialogue, and reflection.

Sister Mary Barron, president of the UISG and a member of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, opened the assembly with a call to action. “We must be vigilant in doing our part to keep that flame of church renewal alive,” she told the assembly, which included sisters in both traditional habits and modern attire. Her remarks were translated into multiple languages, with many participants wearing headphones over their veils to follow along.

Embracing Pope Francis’ Vision

Throughout the week-long assembly, the superiors are reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, whose papacy emphasized synodality, pastoral closeness, and a Church that listens to all. Sister Barron urged her fellow sisters to continue embracing this vision, describing it as “daring to dream a future that reflects the boundless love of God.”

Quoting poets Emily Dickinson and Maya Angelou, Barron encouraged the sisters to be “a source of hope” for the world’s most marginalized. “Our path forward might not be clear or conventional, but it’s illuminated by the language of hope,” she said. During the opening prayer, the sisters stood and held hands, declaring in multiple languages, “We’re pilgrims of hope.”

A Time of Listening and Communion

The 2025 plenary assembly is taking place during the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, a theme that resonates deeply with the participants. “In this Jubilee Year, the plenary is a unique time of listening, communion and renewal,” said Sister Barron in a statement ahead of the gathering. “It is a time to walk together as consecrated women in service to the Church and the world.”

The assembly’s agenda includes discussions on synodality — a key theme of Pope Francis’ pontificate — and how to make the Church less clerical and more participatory. The sisters are also exploring how to strengthen their ministries in education, healthcare, social justice, and pastoral care, especially in regions affected by poverty, conflict, and marginalization.

Presence of Key Church Figures

Among the notable attendees is Sister Nathalie Becquart, a French nun who made history in 2021 when Pope Francis appointed her as the first female undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops. Her presence at the assembly underscores the growing, though still limited, inclusion of women in high-level Church decision-making roles.

Sister Becquart’s appointment was widely seen as a sign of Pope Francis’ commitment to expanding the role of women in the Church. Her participation in the UISG assembly serves as a reminder of the progress made under Francis and the hopes many hold for continued reform under the next pontiff.

A Symbolic but Powerful Role

While the sisters do not have a formal role in the conclave, their presence in Rome during this pivotal moment in Church history is deeply symbolic. Sister Barron called on the global community of women religious to pray that the cardinals “make the right choice” and to reflect on how they can carry forward the vision of Pope Francis.

The sisters’ gathering is not only a show of unity but also a demonstration of their commitment to shaping the Church’s future through spiritual leadership and service. Their ministries span continents and cultures, and their collective voice represents a significant force within the global Catholic community.

A Diverse and Expanding Network

This year’s assembly includes a notable increase in participation from countries such as Indonesia, reflecting the growing diversity of the global Church. The UISG continues to serve as a vital platform for collaboration among women religious, offering opportunities for mutual support, formation, and advocacy.

In Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Catholic sisters have also been honoring Pope Francis’ legacy through prayer services, music, and digital outreach. Their efforts highlight the global reach of the Church and the unique contributions of women religious in contexts where Christians are a minority.

Looking Ahead

As the cardinals prepare to elect the next pope, the women gathered at the UISG assembly are focused on ensuring that the spirit of Pope Francis’ reforms endures. Their discussions, prayers, and shared experiences reflect a deep commitment to a Church that is more inclusive, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of the world.

Though they may not cast ballots in the Sistine Chapel, the sisters’ influence is felt in parishes, schools, hospitals, and communities across the globe. Their assembly in Rome is a testament to their enduring role in the life of the Church — as leaders, as servants, and as pilgrims of hope.

References

• They don't have a vote in the conclave, but nuns leading the world's religious orders gather in Rome
• Monday Starter: Pakistani nuns turn to music, social media to mourn Pope Francis
• Breaking Barriers: Women and the Francis Effect
• Young people tell cardinals they want a role in the future Church
• Pope Francis - Wikipedia