The Pope called the Pauline sisters to emulate Christ’s humility, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” to enter the depths of human suffering
Newsroom (02/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV met with the Daughters of St. Paul on Thursday morning, praising their work as “precious to the Church and to the world” and urging them to draw inspiration from St. Paul’s “tireless joy in proclaiming Christ.” The encounter took place in the Vatican as the sisters gathered in Rome for their General Chapter, marking 110 years since the founding of their institute.
The Daughters of St. Paul, part of the Pauline Family founded by Blessed James Alberione, are dedicated to spreading the Gospel through media, publishing, and evangelization. Addressing representatives from five continents, the Pope highlighted the universal scope of their mission, noting that their presence in diverse global contexts reflects the Holy Spirit’s enduring work since their founding in 1915.
A Mission Rooted in the Gospel
Reflecting on the theme of their General Chapter, “Impelled by the fire of the Spirit, listening to contemporary humanity, we communicate the Gospel of Hope,” Pope Leo emphasized the centrality of proclaiming the Gospel. He stressed, however, that this mission is not about sharing “generic information or abstract truths” but about engaging with the real challenges, questions, and aspirations of today’s world. The sisters, he said, are called to “speak the languages of the women and men of our time.”
To guide their apostolate, the Pope proposed two key attitudes: looking upward to the Holy Spirit for guidance and immersing themselves in the realities of contemporary humanity.
Looking Upward: Driven by the Spirit
“Your vocation and mission come from the Lord,” the Pope reminded the sisters, cautioning against the “illusion or presumption of self-sufficiency.” He described the Holy Spirit as the true protagonist of their mission, “multiplying our talents, refreshing us in our labors, rekindling our hearts when the joy of the Gospel grows cold, illuminating our steps.”
Immersing in Reality: Following Christ’s Example
The Pope called the sisters to emulate Christ’s humility, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” to enter the depths of human suffering. This, he explained, requires “descending into our flesh” and engaging with the lived experiences of people today. By listening attentively to contemporary humanity, the sisters can bring the Father’s love to a wounded world.
A Precious Service Amid Challenges
Pope Leo praised the sisters’ diverse ministries, including publishing, digital media, bookstore management, radio and television projects, and biblical animation. Acknowledging the burdens of their work—particularly the need for high-quality professional formation amidst limited resources—he urged them not to be discouraged. “Let us not be discouraged!” he exhorted, encouraging careful discernment about how to sustain their charism through “courageous and demanding choices.”
The Pope also stressed the importance of credibility, warning against any disconnect between their preaching and daily lives. By embodying the Pauline Family’s holistic approach—integrating “The Way, the Truth, and the Life” through mind, will, and heart—the sisters can offer a prophetic witness in a fragmented world.
Inspired by St. Paul’s Zeal
Invoking the example of St. Paul, the Pope encouraged the sisters to mirror his “tireless joy” in proclaiming Christ, even amid difficulties. He urged them to remain guided by the Spirit, attentive to humanity, and committed to bringing hope, especially to the most vulnerable.
Concluding his address on the Feast of the Guardian Angels, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the Daughters of St. Paul to the intercession of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, assuring them of his prayers as they continue their vital mission.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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