Nuns Who Lead Global Catholic Orders Gather in Rome Despite Exclusion from Conclave Votes
While they remain excluded from voting in papal conclaves, the most senior nuns from around the world have gathered in Rome this week for a landmark assembly that underscores their growing influence and advocacy within the Catholic Church.
Over 750 leaders of women’s religious orders are attending the triennial meeting of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), a powerful yet often overlooked force in global Catholicism. Representing congregations that collectively serve millions across education, healthcare, and humanitarian work, these women have convened in the Vatican to discuss pressing issues ranging from church reform and social justice to environmental stewardship and the role of women in church leadership.
Despite their deep commitment and leadership in ministry, Catholic nuns are still not permitted to vote in papal elections — a right reserved exclusively for male cardinals. However, this has not deterred them from pushing for greater recognition and inclusion in church decision-making processes.
Sister Nadia Coppa, president of UISG, emphasized the importance of the gathering. “We may not vote in the conclave, but we are the heartbeat of the Church’s mission,” she said. “This assembly is about raising our voices, strengthening our communities, and calling for a more inclusive Church.”
One of the most urgent themes of the 2025 UISG assembly is the role of women in the Synod on Synodality, a multi-year global process initiated by Pope Francis aimed at reshaping the governance and participation structure of the Catholic Church. Many attendees are calling for formal voting rights in church synods and greater access to leadership roles that go beyond traditional service ministries.
The event also comes amid increased scrutiny of gender equity within the Vatican and broader Catholic hierarchy. Pope Francis has taken modest steps to include women in more visible roles within Vatican departments, yet full parity remains elusive. Still, this gathering of religious sisters highlights the powerful spiritual and administrative leadership that women continue to offer in Catholic institutions around the world.
The meeting will include sessions with Vatican officials, including Pope Francis himself, along with dialogue forums, working groups, and a special prayer vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica. The collective message is clear: women religious are not on the sidelines — they are demanding a central seat at the table.
This gathering is not only a reaffirmation of their vocation but a strategic effort to shape the Church’s future — even if they are still barred from the conclave that decides its next leader.
Source : Swifteradio.com
