Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has encouraged cloistered Augustinian religious in Italy to continue living their vocation with joy, unity and humble charity, saying that true happiness is found in a deep relationship with Christ.

Pope met participants of the Ordinary Federal Assembly of the Federation of Augustinian Monasteries in Italy on Thursday. He praised the way the monasteries work together while remaining rooted in the Rule of Saint Augustine. Their cooperation, he said, reflects a spirit of listening and shared mission that is especially needed in a world that is often closed to dialogue.

Speaking to the assembly, Pope highlighted three key aspects of their contemplative life. He first called them to be witnesses of joy, reminding them of Saint Augustines teaching that real happiness comes from rejoicing in the Lord. He said that communion with Christ is the heart of their vocation and should fill their daily lives with peace.

Pope Leo invited the nuns to embrace their cloistered mission with dedication, through prayer, liturgy, adoration, reflection on the Bible and simple acts of service within their communities. He said that those who visit their monasteries should be able to sense hope even without words.

Pope also underlined the quiet but powerful witness of charity that contemplative communities offer. He encouraged them to show gentle care for one another and for anyone in need, saying that this silent love is a reminder to society that values appearances more than interior life.

Finally, he thanked the Augustinian Federation for its work in supporting the monasteries and helping them share responsibilities and resources. Order, he said, is not a burden but a path that helps them reach the love they seek.

Pope Leo ended his message by recalling the wisdom of Saint Augustine and urging the religious to continue following their call with love, balance and unity.