Sister Maria Gloria Riva Addresses Pope Leo XIV on Eternal Values

VATICAN — During a significant address on June 9, 2025, Sister Maria Gloria Riva of the Nuns of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament emphasized the importance of living with eternity in mind. This event took place at the Vatican as part of the Jubilee of the Holy See, commemorating the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.

Sister Riva, a 66-year-old nun from a cloistered community in San Marino, delivered her reflection to Pope Leo XIV, cardinals, bishops, and other Vatican officials, marking a rare occasion where a woman religious spoke publicly on spiritual matters to the pontiff. Her remarks were rooted in the belief that focusing solely on short-term goals is ultimately unfulfilling. "Eternity is before us. If we work for short-term and mediocre horizons, we work in vain," Riva stated during her meditation.

This Jubilee event, planned by the Dicastery for Evangelization prior to the death of Pope Francis, aimed to enhance the role of women in the Church, a vision Francis championed by expanding women's leadership roles.

Following Sister Riva's address, Pope Leo XIV led a procession through the Holy Door, symbolizing the pilgrimage of faith, before celebrating Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica for the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. In his homily, the pope highlighted the necessity of bearing one's cross to achieve fruitfulness in the Church, asserting that "all the fruitfulness of the Church and of the Holy See depends on the cross of Christ."

Pope Leo emphasized that the sanctity of the Holy See is intertwined with the holiness of its members, urging them to strive for holiness in their respective vocations. He connected the concept of fruitfulness in the Church to the grace emanating from the pierced heart of Jesus and the sacraments.

In her address, Sister Riva also reflected on the significance of one's work and life direction, urging the audience to consider whether their actions connect them to eternal truths. "We need to work for the great horizon of life that does not die: to live by asking ourselves at every moment whether what we are doing connects us firmly to that truth which is charity and eternity; this is hope," she articulated.

Sister Riva's insights were inspired by her deep understanding of Christian teachings and her commitment to Eucharistic adoration. She quoted Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, clarifying a common misinterpretation regarding the phrase, "beauty will save the world." She posited that the inquiry centers around what kind of beauty—stating, "Will the beauty of the cross save the world? The beauty of defeat? The beauty of humiliation? Yes, the cross can still save us."

This significant address not only underscores the evolving role of women within the Catholic Church but also invites a renewed reflection on the spiritual dimensions of existence, encouraging the faithful to contemplate the eternal implications of their lives and actions.