Pope Leo XIV encourages Benedictine men and women from around the world to deepen their roots in Christ and continue offering a witness of prayer and communion.
Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV addressed participants in the symposium of the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum (CIB) on Saturday, thanking them for their prayer, “humble and silent presence”, and the “daily and hidden offering” of their lives.
Established in 2001, the CIB brings together mostly women’s congregations belonging to the Benedictine family. Around 13,000 nuns worldwide follow the Rule of Saint Benedict.
A witness of communion
After acknowledging the presence of a few men as well, Pope Leo described the CIB’s work as part of a continuing journey of communion and coordination within the Benedictine family. He stressed the importance of a “spiritual synodality” in which each person’s uniqueness becomes “a treasure for all.”
Recalling Pope Francis’ description of a Benedictine “heart expanded by the unspeakable sweetness of love,” Pope Leo said that being deeply rooted in Christ enables Benedictine communities to bear abundant Gospel fruit.
Referring to his recent visits to Benedictine Shrines in Subiaco and Montecassino, the Pope said that the Benedictine tradition recalls the Gospel image in which “from a small seed a great tree has grown.”
He described the efforts of Benedictines around the world to remain rooted in Christ and serve as “his living and prayerful witness” as “a great sign and prophetic gift,” particularly at a time marked by “a thirst for authentic life, communion and peace.”
Prayer and formation
Pope Leo also recalled Saint Paul VI’s description of Benedictine life as combining prayer, study and work, helping to spread “civilisation and spiritual values” and foster unity among peoples.
He welcomed the CIB’s efforts to provide new formation opportunities for Benedictine women, including through digital tools.
Concluding his address, the Pope thanked the participants for their prayer and hidden offering of their lives, as well as for their contribution to spiritual guidance, theological reflection and community life and encouraged them “to continue in your consecrated commitment to communion.”
