Pope Leo XIV Tells Women Religious Renew "the call to be" - "missionary disciples of hope women...guided by the Spirit...heal wounds and accompany God's people"

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), Pope Leo XIV addressed a letter to the President of the UISG, Sr. Oonah O'Shea, NDS, expressing gratitude for the many ways the UISG has carried out her mission with fidelity and courage, and encouraging religious women to renew their commitment as pilgrims and missionary disciples of hope.
Letter of Pope Leo XIV to the UISG on the 60th Anniversary of its Foundation
Below is the full text of Pope Leo XIV's letter.To Sister Oonah O'Shea, NDS
President of the International Union of Superiors General

I send cordial greetings and prayerful good wishes to you and to all the members of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) on the sixtieth anniversary of your establishment. As you give thanks to Almighty God for the vision of Saint Pope Paul VI, who wished to advance the renewal of consecrated life in the modern world, I join you in gratitude for the many ways the UISG has carried out this mission with fidelity and courage.

Over these six decades, the Union has offered a vital forum in which Superiors from six continents can foster dialogue among women religious, share the richness of their charisms and discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church and the world. In a time marked by rapid change and many urgent needs, your commitment to cooperation and your willingness to stand at the frontiers of mission remain a powerful testimony to the Gospel.

That this anniversary coincides with the Jubilee Year of Hope is a particular grace. May this sacred time renew in each of you the call to be pilgrims and missionary disciples of hope women who, rooted in consecration and guided by the Spirit, help to awaken trust, heal wounds and accompany God's people with compassion and joyful perseverance.

Commending all the members of the UISG to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and model of faithful discipleship, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace, strength and abiding hope in the Lord.

From the Vatican, 26 November 2025

Leo PP. XIV

https://www.uisg.org/en/news/pope-leo-xiv-letter-uisg-60th-anniversary-2025/