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Pope Leo’s address to the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum Symposium
Clementine Hall – Saturday, 12 September 2026
The Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum – the CIB – was born in 2001 in Nairobi, Kenya at a meeting of representatives from women’s Benedictine communities worldwide.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32)
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
Pope Leo’s address
My dear sisters, a few brothers scattered also,
I am pleased to meet you at the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum (CIB) Symposium, which brings together representatives of the monastic world from throughout the world.
Your work is valuable which, for twenty-five years, has continued the path of communion and coordination that had been initiated and promoted by Pope Leo XIII for the Benedictine Confederation, and subsequently encouraged by the Second Vatican Council in the Decree Perfectae Caritatis (of Perfect Love) 22–23.
This journey forward together is all the more important because it aims to embody and promote the Benedictine charism around the world.
This special spiritual synodality recognizes the value of each person’s uniqueness.
In speaking about Saint Benedict, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of “a heart expanded by the unspeakable sweetness of love” (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue, n. 49).
St. Benedict said, “A heart is a herald of grace, for its roots are so firm that the tree grows well, weathering the ravages of time and bearing the rich fruits of the Gospel”.
I recently visited the monasteries of Subiaco and Montecassino as a pilgrim.
I wished to pray in those places that hold such deep significance for the People of God and our history.
Reflecting on the silence and peace of those sanctuaries, I rejoice in seeing you here today. As the Gospel says, from a small seed a great tree has grown.
(Matthew 13:31–32 – “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”).
Indeed, a vineyard has spread and “filled the earth” and has borne much fruit because, as my venerable predecessor liked to say, it is deeply rooted in the Lord
(Psalm 80:10 – The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches;), (John 15:1–8 – “I am the true vine, and my father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.).
Therefore, as monks and nuns from many different countries, your efforts to become more deeply rooted in Christ and to bear witness to him through prayer throughout the world are a great sign and a prophetic gift.
This is especially important in our time, marked by a thirst for authentic life, communion, and peace.
In this regard, Saint Paul VI pointed to Saint Benedict and his disciples as those who, through prayer, study and work, “with the cross, the book and the plow,” spread “civilization and […] spiritual values” (Apostolic Letter Pacis Nuntius, 24 October 1964).
Thus, they established a “unity that, as Saint Augustine affirms, is ‘an example and model of absolute beauty.'”
In this sense, then, it is commendable that you are engaged in a project in Rome and elsewhere that uses digital tools to new educational opportunities for Benedictine monastic women.
My dear sisters and brothers,
I thank you for who you are and all that you do.
Thank you for your prayers, your humble and silent presence, your daily and hidden offering of your lives, and the spiritual guidance, theological reflections and communal values embody and share.
I encourage you to continue in your consecrated commitment to communion, and I impart my heartfelt blessing to all of you.
