Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession called to prophetic witness

Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS – Vatican City

The conference provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the prophetic role of legal professionals in promoting safeguarding, justice, and accountability within religious life.

Prophetic witness

Delivering the keynote address, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, the Associate Vice President of Programme Operations and Head of Catholic Sisters at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for the efforts invested in organising the gathering. She described the conference as a meaningful sign of hope and a shared commitment to strengthening religious life in Africa through dialogue, collaboration, and service.

Reflecting on the conference theme, "Prophetic Witness: Safeguarding as an Expression of the Gospel," Sr. Wakahiu explained that prophetic witness is rooted in faithful living of Gospel values. It means standing in solidarity with those who suffer, speaking the truth with love, and challenging injustice through God's mercy, compassion, and justice.

Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession Network Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/Luglio/31/b1785499445900aem.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} Upholding the dignity of all

The keynote address emphasised that safeguarding is not simply an administrative requirement or a legal obligation but a Gospel imperative flowing directly from Christ's command to love one's neighbour.

Sr Wakahiu further challenged religious institutes and ecclesial communities to examine assumptions and practices that diminish the dignity of women, children, and vulnerable adults. Referring to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors' 2024 report, she highlighted safeguarding challenges affecting many African contexts, including weak national guidelines, limited survivor accompaniment, insufficient safeguarding professionals, inadequate resources, and gaps in accountability.

The conference, she said, provided an opportunity to strengthen awareness, develop safeguarding procedures, and accompany survivors more effectively within Church communities.