Pope Leo’s address to The Sisters of Charity of Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret
Consistory Hall – Monday, 26 October 2026
Theme:
“Rooted in Christ, on a mission in the world”,
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In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
Dear sisters, welcome!
The General Chapter of a religious family is always a privileged setting for the Holy Spirit to act for the good of the People of God.
During these days of grace, practiced communal discernment, in an attitude of docility to His inspirations.
This is an edifying experience in itself.
The fruits of your listening – to God and to one another – are the most beautiful gift you bring me today: like a basket of early fruits that we wish to offer to the Lord together.
Saint Jeanne Antide Thouret had understood very well the importance of this “giving together” in the Church.
Throughout her life, she showed great love and respect for the Successor of Peter, even when it meant facing painful misunderstandings and sacrifices for the good of those entrusted to her care.
Dear sisters,
The theme you chose for your work, “Rooted in Christ, on a Mission in the World,” is beautiful.
It aptly describes the essence of your consecration and apostolate.
Being rooted in Christ means following St. Jeanne Antide’s example of placing Christ alone at the center of one’s existence and thoughts.
It means growing accustomed to sensing and celebrating His presence at every moment.
It means being confident that by being united to Him, we will grow closer to one another and be better able to help others according to His plans.
In this regard, I would like to emphasize another important aspect of the charismatic legacy left to you by your saintly Foundress: paying attention to the integral, spiritual and temporal well-being of one’s neighbor.
I mention this because in our fragmented society, which divides people not only from one another, but also within themselves, this dimension of charity is fundamental to restoring, promoting, and authentically respecting the dignity of every person, especially the poorest and most in need.
(Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 186).
Our faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basis of our concern for the integral development of society’s most neglected members.
Dear Sisters,
In this bicentennial year of St. Mother Thouret’s passing, it is comforting to see how much the Lord has blessed and guided you over the years.
The richness and variety of your apostolic outreach in thirty-two countries bears this out. There, you keep the “charism of charity” alive through the work of sisters, laypeople, young people, volunteers, and collaborators of all ages and backgrounds.
Continue your generous work.
It is precious in the eyes of God and the Church.
Thank you for what you do!
I entrust you to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and Saint Jeanne-Antide and bless you with all my heart.
Thank you.