From a sharing by Sr. Carmen Sammut
The heartfelt plea — “Do not forget women!” — came from the depths of my soul during a private audience with Pope Francis in January 2015. The meeting marked the 50th anniversary of PISAI (Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies) in Rome.
Pope Francis had just delivered a moving speech on encounter and dialogue, highlighting the divine beauty and truth present in all religious expressions.
The event had nothing to do with women as such, but coming face to face with the Pope, what came out of my heart had all to do with what I was living. The Pope grasped my hand and would not let me leave until he exclaimed:
“How can I possibly forget women! The Church is female, Our Lady is too. Without the women, there is no Church.”
Women Religious and Their Role in the Church
Since my election as President in 2013 of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) , I had become increasingly aware of how women religious lacked representation in key decision-making bodies: the Synods, General Assemblies of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life, and Vatican-level meetings.
Despite being the largest group within religious life, women were often excluded from meaningful participation in Church governance. In many regions, they were not even treated with the dignity they deserve.
A Struggle for Representation at the Synod on the Family
In October 2015, during the Synod on the Family, the UISG had to appeal to several Cardinals for the right to attend. Meanwhile, the USG (male counterparts) had 10 voting members. Eventually, UISG was granted three non-voting auditor seats — one of which I held.
Pope Francis was present throughout the sessions — listening, taking notes, nodding at times, and even giving short comments. His vision of a synodal Church came alive in the form of an inverted triangle, symbolizing leadership rooted in listening.
During a break, I took the chance to tell him that we had written four letters suggesting ways for women to be included in Church decision-making. Looking into my eyes, he told me — painfully — that he had never received them.
A New Chapter: Pope Francis Listens to UISG
In May 2016, Pope Francis accepted our invitation to attend the UISG General Assembly. He personally responded with a handwritten note — a sign of genuine care.
During that session, he listened to every question we posed. On the role of women in Church leadership, he affirmed the importance of both consecrated and laywomen in parish and Vatican-level decision-making. He emphasized the need to avoid clericalism and feminism, instead encouraging a spirit of service, not servitude.
We also requested a commission to study the readmission of women to the diaconate, which he accepted. Since then, three commissions have examined the issue — a sign of ongoing discernment.
The Vatican Begins to Change
Following our 2016 meeting, real change began to unfold. Pope Francis ensured that women religious were:
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Invited to general assemblies of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life
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Included in regular Vatican meetings
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Appointed to positions of leadership after the Vatican Constitution was revised to allow women and laypersons to head Roman Curia offices
A Gesture of Solidarity: May 2019 Audience
During the 2019 UISG audience, Pope Francis made a symbolic gesture. Instead of sitting on a large chair, he asked that it be removed so I could sit next to him — side by side — as equals facing the congregation of sisters.
He listened intently to my speech and took notes throughout. His presence was not just symbolic; it was empowering. He embodied the message that women are not valued solely for what they do but for who they are.
Final Reflections: Humility and Courage
In a private moment, Pope Francis once told me to cultivate humility and courage — two virtues he himself lives by. I have seen him express them time and again in his leadership and in his way of engaging with women in the Church.
Thank you, Pope Francis, for listening, for acting, and for walking alongside us on this journey toward equality, justice, and recognition.
