Pope Leo XIV offered a heartfelt encouragement to consecrated men and women as they gathered for a conference hosted by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. The gathering reflected an urgent call within the life of the Church: every community must safeguard human dignity, especially where vulnerability is greatest. In his message, the Holy Father invited religious communities to renew their commitment to honoring the inherent worth bestowed on every person by God.
He reminded participants that dignity is not earned or imposed, but comes from the loving intention of the Creator. God has willed each person into existence with care, and that divine regard continues at every moment. Even in times of hardship or suffering, the human face still reflects the goodness of the One who formed it. No amount of sorrow or pain can erase that reflection, because God’s light remains stronger than any shadow.
This vision of dignity demands a way of life shaped by reverence for others. The Pope urged consecrated religious to draw close to those entrusted to their care, approaching every person with respect and tenderness. Such closeness allows communities to shoulder the burdens and hopes of others, and it transforms daily encounters into moments of shared discipleship. Genuine protection, he said, grows from a heart that listens and from eyes trained to recognize the needs of those who suffer. When believers take responsibility for the lives around them, they discover the freedom that Christ offers, a freedom rooted not in domination or possession but in service and accompaniment.
Religious life, marked by chastity, poverty, and obedience, offers a unique witness to this freedom. By giving themselves completely to Christ, consecrated men and women learn to love with an undivided heart. Their commitment becomes a sign to the entire Church that true love is generous, patient, and faithful. The Holy Father encouraged them to allow this self-gift to shape the culture within their communities, so that each house of consecrated life becomes a place where others experience the love of God.
Pope Leo also emphasized the importance of safeguarding, inviting participants to share their insights and experiences so that every form of abuse may be prevented. He expressed hope that religious communities would increasingly become places marked by trust, honest dialogue, and mutual respect. In such communities the vulnerable are protected, the wounded are accompanied, and every person is valued. Where justice meets mercy, he said, the wounds of the past can become points of grace, leading to healing and renewal.
As he concluded his message, Pope Leo affirmed the mission of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. He encouraged all consecrated religious to work together for the Church’s ongoing growth in creating safe environments that reflect the Gospel. By fostering communities that uphold dignity at every level, the Church continues Christ’s own care for the little ones, the forgotten, and those most in need of hope.