Pope Leo XIV urges Regnum Christi to embrace distinct identity, creative governance, and unity in diversity to serve the Church’s mission.
Newsroom (29/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) At the Vatican on Thursday, January 29, Pope Leo XIV addressed members of the Regnum Christi’s Societies of Apostolic Life, urging them to deepen their identity, embrace creative governance, and foster unity within their diverse spiritual family. The Pope’s speech, delivered to participants of the Societies’ General Assembly, centered on three guiding themes—charism, government, and communion—calling them essential pillars for a vibrant apostolic mission.
“Today more than ever, it is necessary to know who we are if we want to engage in authentic dialogue with society without being absorbed or homogenized,” the Pope said, underscoring the need for clarity of identity amid an often fragmented modern world.
The Gift and Challenge of Charism
Regnum Christi, an international federation encompassing the Legionaries of Christ and two Societies of Apostolic Life—one for Consecrated Women and another for Lay Consecrated Men—has long been defined by its shared mission of evangelization. Pope Leo praised the General Assembly’s efforts to reflect on the Society’s founding charism, stressing that it is both a divine gift and a responsibility.
He described the charism as the Spirit’s unique imprint, giving each community “life and vitality” while marking its distinctiveness in the wider Church. “In order to evangelize the contexts in which you live,” he said, “it is essential that you define your identity with ever greater clarity.” Every member, he added, must make this charism “a vital force” capable of inspiring new generations who continue the work of love and service.
Rethinking Governance with Courage
Turning to the topic of governance, Pope Leo described it as “a necessary service within apostolic societies,” one aimed at helping members “follow Christ consciously, freely, and faithfully.” He encouraged leaders not to fear change, but to view experimentation as a means of renewal.
“Each institute is called to identify its own style of government,” he said, noting that true evangelical leadership is never authoritarian but oriented toward service. He emphasized that searching collectively for new models of authority strengthens community bonds and deepens a sense of shared responsibility.
“Do not be afraid to try new styles of government,” the Pope urged. “Such exploration enriches societies and makes them more capable of carrying out their mission with creativity and fidelity.”
Communion in Diversity
Pope Leo also focused on communion, reminding his audience that unity and diversity are not opposing forces but complementary aspects of the Church’s identity. “Unity in baptismal dignity and diversity of vocations are not opposed to each other, but rather illuminate each other,” he reflected.
He described this harmony as an “organic communion” animated by the Holy Spirit, one that transforms every individual calling into service. Such communion, he said, allows the Body of Christ “to grow throughout history and fulfil its mission in the world.”
The Pope’s closing words broadened the reflection beyond institutional matters, offering a poetic vision of faith. “We are all lives on a journey,” he said, “to whom God continues to inspire his dreams through prophets of yesterday and today.”
Concluding his address, Pope Leo reminded those present that divine faithfulness often arrives in unexpected ways. “The Lord still surprises us and still allows himself to be found,” he said, “through ways that are not our own—and his faithfulness continues to amaze us.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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