(CNS/Vatican Media)In its religious orders, the Catholic Church has an array of strong, courageous and generous women who care for the poor, defend peace and share the Gospel message of salvation in Christ, Pope Leo XIV said. Meeting Sept. 22 with four communities holding their general chapters in Rome, Pope Leo singled out the Discalced Carmelite Sisters of the Holy Land. Pope Leo XIV receives a gift from a member of the Discalced Carmelite Sisters of the Holy Land during an audience at the Vatican Sept. 22, 2025, with members of her order and other women's congregations holding their general chapter meetings in Rome. "We all accompany you with our prayers and, also through you, we draw close to those who suffer." The women present for the audience also included members of the Sisters of St. Catherine, the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.