After stepping out to the main balcony as Pope Leo XIV, he mentioned no nationality. Instead, he identified himself as "a son of St. Augustine, an Augustinian."
Catholics in Normandy commemorated the 100th anniversary of St. Thérèse of Lisieux's canonization with three days of solemn celebrations May 16-18. These included a live broadcast of Pope Leo XIV's May 18 inauguration Mass on giant screens in the Basilica of St. Thérèse in Lisieux.
"In a world that too often devalues women's wisdom unless it is loud or marketable, I claim the power of quiet witness," writes Sr. Nodelyn Abayan on the power and depth of silence.
Augustinians around the world are remembering fellow Augustinian Fr. Robert Prevost, who was elected as pontiff on May 8 by 133 cardinals after four votes.
"He has shared meals with us, celebrated with us, accompanied us, encouraged us, and that is moving for us, because he has done so in his simplicity, with trust, with prayer," one sister said.
Pope Francis invited all Catholics to the table in deliberating the future of the church. Sisters involved in those synods believe there's no turning back — even with a new pope.
A couple miles from the ongoing conclave, sisters in leadership gather at the International Union of Superiors General assembly May 5-9, with Pope Francis' spirit of synodality at its center.
The Conference of Women Religious India said that Pope Francis had given them "more strength, dignity and space in the church." Sisters told Global Sisters Report about their memories of Francis and his impact on them.
