(ZENIT News / London, 07.15.2026).- Nearly a year after their historic meeting in Rome during the State Visit of Their Majesties The King and The Queen to the Holy See in October 2025, representatives of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) met again with The Queen to share the impact of their work over the past year, with a particular focus on advancing dignity, protection and opportunity for vulnerable women and girls.
The audience was attended by Sister Roxanne Schares, SSND, Executive Secretary of UISG; Sister Abby Avelino, MM, International Coordinator of Talitha Kum; and Sister Maamalifar M. Poreku, MSOLA, Co-Executive Secretary of the UISG-USG Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. They were joined by Sister Lynne Baron FCJ, Area Leader of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus in Britain, and Archbishop’s Delegate for Catholic Social Action, Archdiocese of Liverpool
The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the around 600,000 Sisters’ work on the front line of today’s most pressing challenges – from human trafficking and conflict to climate vulnerability – with a shared focus on protecting dignity, expanding opportunity, and strengthening resilience, especially for women and girls at risk.
This renewed exchange underlined the strong alignment between the mission of Catholic Sisters and Her Majesty’s longstanding commitment to supporting women and girls. Across continents, Sisters are often a first line of response – trusted, embedded, and able to respond to the most vulnerable in contexts where others cannot.
Dr Anabel Inge MVO, Charge’ d’Affaires ad interim, British Embassy to the Holy See, said: “The work of Catholic Sisters demonstrates the power of trust, presence and long-term commitment in helping vulnerable communities thrive. The meeting with Her Majesty was a valuable opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution Sisters make around the world, particularly in supporting women and girls affected by poverty, conflict, displacement and exploitation.”
The Strength of Sisters’ Presence in the World
Sister Roxanne Schares emphasised the daily contribution of Catholic Sisters in some of the most fragile contexts around the world, acting as a prophetic presence and voice and accompanying migrants, refugees, trafficked persons, and communities affected by violent conflict, poverty, and discrimination.
“Every day, Sisters choose to be present wherever human dignity is under threat,” she said. “Through education, healthcare, pastoral care and social support, peacebuilding, and accompaniment of the most vulnerable, they continue to bear witness to a concrete hope that fosters transformation and restores confidence in the future.”
A Year of Growth for Talitha Kum
During the meeting, Sister Abby Avelino highlighted the progress of the Sisters’ international anti trafficking Talitha Kum network, which is active in more than 110 countries through 68 national and regional networks. Talitha Kum remains committed to the prevention of human trafficking, the protection of victims, and the accompaniment of survivors, with a particular focus on protecting women and girls and supporting survivors to rebuild their lives.
Particular attention was given to the Young Ambassadors Against Human Trafficking Programme, initially supported by the UK Government and now expanded globally.
The programme equips young people with the tools to identify risks, raise awareness, and lead peer based prevention in their communities.
“Young people are not simply the recipients of our activities; they are protagonists of change,” said Sister Abby Avelino. “In many countries, they are helping to build a culture of prevention, supporting their peers in recognising the risks of exploitation and trafficking, and promoting a vision of society rooted in dignity, freedom, and solidarity.”
Care for Creation and Climate Justice
Sister Maamalifar Poreku presented UISG initiatives in support of climate justice and care for creation, highlighting the growing commitment of women religious to supporting communities most affected by climate change, including women and girls. The UISG programmes include environmental education, sustainable agriculture, access to water, and community-based resilience projects.
“The climate crisis disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, including women and girls,” Sister Maamalifar noted. “That’s why Sisters work to ensure that care for our common home is always linked to social justice, the fight against poverty, and the building of resilient communities.”
This continued dialogue reflects a shared commitment to collaboration and practical action – demonstrating how governments, communities and civil society can work together to advance dignity, protection and opportunity for the most vulnerable.
Her Majesty The Queen met with representatives of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in Rome during the historic State Visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen to the Holy See on October 23, 2026. During the meeting, Her Majesty expressed deep admiration and humility regarding the global work Catholic Sisters do to aid vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. The Sisters shared moving stories about their mission-driven work across the globe.
About UISG
Founded in 1965, the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) brings together more than 1,900 Superiors General of women’s religious congregations, representing approximately 600,000 Catholic Sisters serving on every continent in the fields of education, healthcare, social and pastoral ministry, peacebuilding, justice, and care for creation. The Sisters serve at grassroots level, often in some of the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Their deep roots in local communities give them unique access and trust, enabling them to deliver essential services such as education and healthcare where state provision is limited or absent. Sisters are also at the forefront of efforts to combat human trafficking and modern slavery. Working closely with survivors, law enforcement, NGOs and community groups, they contribute to prevention, protection, and the long-term recovery of victims. Their mission often comes at personal risk: many remain alongside vulnerable populations in times of crisis, facing threats including violence, persecution and abduction.
About Talitha Kum
Talitha Kum is the international network of consecrated life against human trafficking. Present in more than 110 countries through 68 national and regional networks of over 6,000 Sisters around the world, it coordinates initiatives dedicated to prevention, protection, accompaniment of victims and survivors, and advocacy. Through its Young Ambassadors Against Human Trafficking Programme, Talitha Kum Catholic Sisters train up youth ambassadors around the world who raise awareness of the tell-tale signs among their peers in vulnerable areas through a range of in-person and online activities.
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