Francis with the participants of the conference from which the women's network was born (ANSA)

The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) signed an interreligious message of mourning for the death of Pope Francis, alongside women of various faiths. The connection between these religious women leaders was born during the Vatican conference "Women building a culture of encounter interreligiously", held in 2023 by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in collaboration with WUCWO. The signatories remember the Pope as a guide and teacher, recognising his concrete commitment to affirming the voice, dignity, and role of women in interreligious dialogue. 

From Women of Faith – An Interfaith Collective 

As women from diverse faith traditions, we come together in a spirit of deep respect and gratitude to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis. In his years of service, he uplifted and affirmed the spiritual dignity, leadership, and wisdom of women in faith communities across the world. Our interfaith collective is an example of that: we were gathered by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue for a conference at the Vatican in January 2023 "Women building a culture of encounter interreligiously" and since then we decided to keep meeting and bring our contribution as women of faith together.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis spoke with humility and courage, often acknowledging the vital role women play in the life of the Church and in society at large. His words opened doors for dialogue, inspired reflection, and challenged long-held assumptions—always rooted in compassion and a deep love for humanity.

In a time when the voices of women of faith are still striving to be fully heard, his recognition of our presence and contributions gave hope and encouragement not only to Catholic women, but to women across all religious traditions.

We join people around the world in mourning his passing and celebrating his commitment to justice, mercy, and peace. May his memory be a blessing and a call to continue building a world where all are heard, valued, and empowered.

With sorrow, gratitude, and solidarity, 

(Individual signature in alphabetical order)

Mrs. Nicoletta Bernasconi, Rome – Italy (Roman Catholic)

Dr. Christie Chang, Taipei – Taiwan (Mahayana Chinese Buddhist)

Dr. Rudina Çollaku, Elbasan – Albania (Muslim)

Ms. Maria Eugenia Crespo, Buenos Aires – Argentina (Roman Catholic)

Dr. Maria A. De Giorgi, mmx, Tamana – Japan (Roman Catholic)

Ms. Elena Dini, Rome – Italy (Roman Catholic)

Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum, Jerusalem - Israel (Jewish)

Mrs. Dunya Elemenler, Bonn – Germany (Muslim)

Prof. Rita George-Tvrtkovic, Chicago – USA (Roman Catholic)

Hj. Sarah L. Handang, Zamboanga City – Philippines (Muslim)

Sr. Grace Marie Horan, FSE, Washington, DC – USA (Roman Catholic)

Dr. Sr. Josmy Jose, FMA, Rome – Italy (Roman Catholic)

Sr. Jolanta Kafka, Madrid – Spain (Roman Catholic)

Ms. Chihiro Kase, Tokyo – Japan (Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhism)

Dr. Sandra Toenies Keating, Providence, RI – USA (Roman Catholic)

Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, Amritsar – India (Sikh)

Ravijit Kaur, Bologna – Italy (Sikh)

Mrs. Vedya Kaur, Rome – Italy (Sikh)

Mrs. Carla Khijoyan, Geneva – Switzerland (Armenian Orthodox)

Mrs. Chau-wan Leung Gina, Hong Kong – China (Confucianism)

Ms. Christina Man Kei Hau, Hong Kong – China (Taoism)

Dr. Charika Marasinghe, Moratuwa – Sri Lanka (Theravada Buddhist)

Dr. Valeria Martano, Rome – Italy (Roman Catholic)

Ms. Ruth Mkwaira, Blantyre – Malawi (African Traditional Religion)

Ms. Mineko Morishita, Kyoto – Japan (Oomoto Shinto)

Mrs. Eleonora Mura, Prague - Czech Republic (Roman Catholic)

Dr. Ines Angeli Murzaku, South Orange, NJ – USA (Byzantine Catholic)

Ms. Lavinia Rocchi Carrera, Rome – Italy (Roman Catholic)

Mrs. Arshna Sanghrajka, London - United Kingdom (Jain)

Mrs. Mónica Santamarina, Mexico City – Mexico (Roman Catholic)

Mrs. Viviane Nader Sebrini, Jounieh – Lebanon (Maronite Catholic)

Sr. Theresa Seow, Singapore - Singapore (Roman Catholic)

Dr. Vaishali K Shah, Mumbai / Nairobi - India / Kenya (Hindu) 

Svamini Shuddhananda, Rome – Italy (Hindu)

Mrs. Awat Taieb, Sulaymaniyah – Iraq (Zoroastrian)

Ms. Wai-oi Tong, Hong Kong – China (Confucianism)

Dr. Lakshmi Vyas, London – United Kingdom (Hindu)

Hj. Alissa Wahid, Jakarta – Indonesia (Muslim)

Ass. Prof. Stephanie M. Wong, Philadelphia, PA – USA (Roman Catholic)

Rabbi Allyson Zacharoff, Short Hills, NJ – USA (Jewish)

Servidora María Lía Zervino, Rome – Italy (Roman Catholic)