Pope Leo XIV Expresses Gratitude to Benedictines

Pope Leo XIV met with Benedictines on Saturday, describing their consecrated lives as a wealth for the church and the world.

The meeting took place during the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarums symposium, which brought together representatives of the monastic world from across the globe. The Pope noted that the abbot primas was unable to attend due to obligations related to his responsibilities.

Pope Leo XIV stated that the work of the group is valuable, continuing a path of community and coordination for the Benedictine Confederation that began with Pope Leo XIII and was later encouraged by the Second Vatican Council in the decree Perfectae caritatis. He explained that this path aims to promote the Benedictine charism worldwide through a spiritual synodality that treats the unique nature of every person as a wealth for all.

Referring to recent pilgrimages to monasteries in Subiaco and Montecassino, the Pope described the efforts of monks and sisters from various countries to be rooted in Christ as a prophetic gift. He noted that such commitment is necessary in a time characterized by a thirst for peace, community, and an authentic life.

Pope Leo XIV praised a project based in Rome and utilizing digital tools to provide new educational opportunities specifically for Benedictine nuns. He thanked the members for their prayer, their quiet presence, the hidden daily sacrifice of their lives, and their theological reflection.

The gathering concluded with the participants praying the Our Father together with the Pope.