Pope Leo XIV visited the Poor Clares of Albano on July 15, spending time in prayer with the nuns. The Pope's visit included shared prayer in the chapel and personal greetings in the chapter room. Pope Leo XIV gifted the community with a chalice and paten, while receiving an icon of the Holy Face of Jesus. The article highlights the significance of the Pope's visit as an affirmation of the nuns' contemplative lives and their importance to the Church.
5 months ago
Pope Leo XIV made an unexpected visit to the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception of the Poor Clares of Albano on July 15, 2025, during his vacation at Castel Gandolfo 1, 2, 3. This "getaway" followed his morning Mass at the Carabinieri station in Castel Gandolfo 1, 3. The visit was described as simple yet deeply meaningful, highlighting the Pope's appreciation for the contemplative life 2.
The Monastery of the Poor Clares of Albano, founded in 1631, has a long-standing special bond with the Holy See and has historically received visits from pontiffs, especially during summer months 1, 3. The nuns' mission is to pray for the Pope, the Church, and Vatican City 1, 3. Pope Leo XIV continued this tradition, acknowledging the "incalculable value" of their prayers 1, 3.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV paused in prayer in the monastery chapel, sharing a moment of silence and contemplation with the sisters 1, 3. He then greeted each nun individually, affirming that "it is beautiful that the Church knows your life, because it is a valuable testimony" 1, 3. Before departing, the Pope signed the monastery's book of honor and prayed the Lord's Prayer with the community 1, 3.
As a token of his gratitude, Pope Leo XIV presented the Poor Clares with a chalice and paten for the celebration of Mass 1, 2, 3. In return, the sisters offered him an icon of the Holy Face of Jesus, symbolizing their prayers for the burdens he carries 1, 2, 3. The encounter was marked by tenderness, reflected in the joyful and grateful expressions of the nuns 1, 3.
Previous pontiffs have also emphasized the profound spiritual connection with the Poor Clares. Pope Francis visited in July 2013, expressing gratitude for their prayer, penance, and care for one another 1, 3. Pope Benedict XVI, during his 2007 visit, underscored the "very close" spiritual bond between the nuns and the Successor of Peter 1, 3. Similarly, Pope Saint John Paul II, in August 1979, called them "the most precious" of all the people the Pope loves, stating the Vicar of Christ has an "extreme need for your spiritual help" 1, 3.
What is the Church's view on consecrated life and prayer?
The Catholic Church views consecrated life as a profound gift from God, deeply rooted in the example and teachings of Christ, and sustained by a fervent life of prayer . It is a state of life recognized by the Church, where individuals freely respond to a special call from Christ, dedicating themselves completely to God and striving for the perfection of charity, moved by the Holy Spirit . This dedication is characterized by the public profession of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience .
Consecrated life is a stable form of living through which the faithful follow Christ more closely under the action of the Holy Spirit, totally dedicating themselves to God, who is loved above all else . This dedication serves God's honor, the building up of the Church, and the salvation of the world, striving for the perfection of charity in the service of the Kingdom of God . Consecrated persons are called to make the characteristic features of Jesus—chaste, poor, and obedient—constantly "visible" in the world, directing the faithful towards the mystery of the Kingdom of God .
Through their baptismal and religious consecration, they are called to give themselves completely to the mission of Christ, whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world . This unreserved gift of self to the Lord and disinterested love for every individual serve as a witness to God and a real sign of His love for the world . Consecrated life is considered an indispensable support for the Church's life and pastoral activity, acting as a prophetic sign of communion when grounded in the Word of God, fraternal communion, and the witness of service .
Prayer is fundamental and necessary for nourishing the contemplative dimension of consecrated life . It is considered the "core" of consecrated life, even more so for contemplative life . The Church emphasizes that consecrated life cannot be sustained or spread without a deep life of prayer—individual, communal, and liturgical .
Key aspects of prayer in consecrated life include:
In essence, consecrated life is a radical following of Christ, made possible and fruitful through a profound and continuous commitment to prayer, which sustains their mission and witness in the world .