A historic encounter during the State Visit to the Holy See for the 2025 Jubilee, with the participation of UISG and Talitha Kum

Rome, 24 October 2025. – During the State Visit of Their Majesties The King and The Queen to the Holy See for the 2025 Jubilee, Her Majesty The Queen met in Rome with six Catholic Sisters belonging to different religious congregations that are part of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG). These women religious are at the forefront of projects promoting peace, education, healthcare, social justice, and the fight against human trafficking across the globe.

The meeting, which took place on the afternoon of Thursday 23, was held in an atmosphere of deep cordiality and mutual respect; it was a tribute to the commitment of the Sisters who daily accompany the most vulnerable, embodying hope and solidarity in some of the world’s most fragile contexts.

Among those present were Sister Roxanne Schares, Executive Secretary of the UISG; Sister Abby Avelino, International Coordinator of Talitha Kum, the international network of consecrated life against human trafficking; Sister Espérance Bamiriyo, Sister Patricia Murray, Sister Monica Joseph, and Sister Maamalifar M. Poreku.

“Catholic Sisters are present, listening, in solidarity, serving those who are invisible, living an active and transforming hope for a more just, compassionate, inclusive and peaceful world,” said Sister Roxanne Schares, recalling her many years of service among refugees in Africa.

Sister Roxanne also highlighted the daily witness of Sisters globally: “Catholic Sisters around the world share similar experiences through their presence and service, especially among those in difficult situations. They are Sisters present and active in the world, offering a range of services: education, healthcare, social and pastoral work, accompaniment of migrants, refugees, and trafficked persons, and advocacy for justice, peace, and the care of creation.”

In her remarks, Sister Abby Avelino shared the heart of Talitha Kum’s mission, which unites more than 6,000 Sisters, members and collaborators working against human trafficking in over 90 countries. “Human trafficking is a painful reality — but transformation begins on a personal level. Each encounter, each act of care, each voice raised in solidarity contributes to the winds of hope that move through across continents” she said.

During the meeting, Sister Abby presented Her Majesty with a painting created by a Youth Ambassador against trafficking in Uruguay, among those trained as part of Talitha Kum projects funded by the UK Government." The artwork, depicting a wounded bird breaking free from its cage, symbolizes the rebirth and hope that emerges even from the darkest situations. “Even in pain, there is beauty; even in despair, there is the possibility of new life,” Sister Abby explained as she described the meaning of the gift.

PRESS KIT