Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)

05/26/2026

LCWR welcomes the profound contribution of Pope Leo XIV offered in the encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas.” LCWR fully embraces the work and looks forward to engaging in prayer, reflection, study and implementation in solidarity with the synodal church as we work towards the Beloved Community. In this process, LCWR will continue to deepen our understanding and practice of a church in the vision of Vatican Council II, grounded in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching.

This teaching situates the current planetary and human community in the framework of choice: humans can choose a path of downward spiral in its disregard for the dignity of all life and the magnificence of human life, intelligence, creativity, spirituality and compassion or we can choose to build a community in which all of life flourishes.

Pope Leo highlights the consequences of human choice-making including an unprecedented acknowledgement of the Catholic Church’s participation in slavery. LCWR resonates with this as we claim the participation of countless religious congregations of women in this country who refused admission of women of color. Thank you, Pope Leo, for your ongoing witness to truth, love, peace and justice that compels us to examine our conscience and deepen our consciousness as missionary disciples.

05/08/2026

Today, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious joins with others around the world in recognizing the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo.

We give thanks for his compassionate leadership, his deeply pastoral approach, and his courageous public witness to the values at the heart of Catholic Social Teaching. Throughout this first year, Pope Leo has consistently called the church and the world to greater solidarity with those who are poor and marginalized, renewed care for our common home, and a deeper commitment to human dignity, peace, and justice.

We are grateful for the hope his ministry has inspired and for the ways he continues to invite all people into dialogue, encounter, and faithful action for the good of our global community.

May wisdom, courage, and compassion continue to guide him in the years ahead.

Photo credit: Riccardo De Luca - Update / Shutterstock.com

05/05/2026

Please keep in your prayers the approximately 260 leaders, justice promoters, and communicators from 107 institutes of US women religious gathered this week in St. Louis this week. We are hearing from Irshad Manji, an educator of moral courage; Michelle Sardone of CLINIC; and David Spicer from the USCCB (shown below) today on this as we begin the work of Transforming Grace. We pray our efforts help guide our efforts to create a more just world for all.

05/01/2026

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious has been among the thousands of United States citizens who have fought for the inherent civil rights expressed in the Voting Rights Act.

With the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Louisiana v. Callais, the voting rights of every citizen are impacted and the vision of the dream for a United States where all are represented in equality and justice is compromised.

LCWR stands now, as we have throughout our history, on behalf of the protection of “justice for all” and equality as an expression of our faith, our values and our lives of service. Our commitment to the voting rights of our black and brown sisters and brothers, particularly impacted by this decision is unwavering as we stand with those whose voices must be uplifted.

04/21/2026

One year ago, we mourned the passing of Pope Francis with heavy hearts. Today, we remember with gratitude the profound witness of his life and leadership. His humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those on the margins continue to inspire us.

He called us to listen deeply, to act courageously in the face of injustice, and to be a church that is welcoming, inclusive, and attentive to the suffering of the world. His vision of a synodal church — rooted in collaboration, discernment, and the inclusion of all voices — remains a guiding light.

As we mark this anniversary, we give thanks for his enduring legacy: a global ministry of mercy, a tireless pursuit of justice, and a faith lived with authenticity and love. May we honor his memory by continuing the work to which he so faithfully dedicated his life.

04/13/2026

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious expresses its strong support for Pope Leo as he continues to speak with clarity and conviction as a moral voice in our world. At a time when such witness is often met with resistance or opposition, we are deeply inspired by his courage in proclaiming the dignity of every human life and the enduring values of the Gospel.

We recognize the importance of voices that call the global community to greater justice, compassion, and accountability — especially in moments of tension and public disagreement. Pope Leo’s willingness to speak publicly, even when it is difficult, reflects a steadfast commitment to truth and to the care of those who are most vulnerable.

As women religious, we remain committed to defending life in all its fullness and to advancing a vision of human dignity that embraces the poor, the marginalized, and those most at risk. We are grateful for the leadership of Pope Leo that challenges all of us to live more deeply into these Gospel values.

Our recent private audience at the Vatican on March 26 provided a meaningful opportunity to share with Pope Leo our mutual hopes for a world marked by justice, peace, and compassionate care. That encounter deepened our appreciation for his pastoral leadership and strengthens our resolve to stand in solidarity with his efforts.

We continue to hold Pope Leo in prayer and to walk forward together in faith, committed to building a more just and loving world.https://www.lcwr.org/news/lcwr-supports-pope-leo-as-he-speaks-with-moral-authority-for-the-world

04/09/2026

LCWR joins Pope Leo in prayer for our world on April 11 at 6 PM Rome time. In this moment of global need, we unite in hope, compassion, and faith, lifting up all who are suffering and seeking peace. All are invited to join in this shared act of prayer for healing and solidarity.

04/07/2026

Let us join in prayer in these next hours as we wait to see what will happen to the threats by the United States of strikes on critical infrastructure in Iran and as our concerns mount for civilian lives and regional stability.

In this moment of uncertainty and anguish, let us pray for an immediate cessation of violence and threats that will bring further harm to that region of the world. May all world leaders receive an outpouring of wisdom, humility, and compassion so that they may work together for justice and the protection of all life.

We entrust all people -- especially those most vulnerable at this time -- into the loving mercy of God.

03/27/2026

The LCWR presidents (Sisters Vicky Larson, PBVM; Debra Sciano, SSND; and Kathy Brazda, CSJ) and executive director (Sister Carol Zinn, SSJ) met yesterday with Pope Leo at the Vatican. In an interview with the Vatican News they speak of their mutual concern for many matters, including the treatment of immigrants in the United States.

After meeting with Pope Leo XIV, the Presidency of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious speaks to Vatican News about the situation of ...