The Church enters the days of the Conclave, voices from the margins gather at its center. Marianne Duddy-Burke, co-chair in the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics, has reached Rome. From the Church of the Caravita, she extends an invitation to a prayer vigil organized by the Women’s Ordination Conference—a moment that calls attention to the hopes of many Catholics for a Church more attentive to inclusion and equality.

In her own words, Duddy-Burke speaks from the heart, amidst signs of gratitude for Pope Francis’ papacy and a spirit of anticipation for what comes next. Our presence there is a reminder that LGBTQ+ Catholics and their allies remain faithfully engaged, prayerful, and present in the most symbolic moments of Church life.

Her full message follows.

“Greetings, everyone. I have arrived in Rome, and I am now at the beautiful church of the Caravita, where there is an English-language community that meets every Sunday. And I’m here because our colleagues at the Women’s Coordination Conference are going to be holding a prayer service on the eve of the Conclave, and I’m going to ask you to participate in that. So, I’m looking forward to keeping you all posted on everything that’s going on in Rome. There are lots and lots of people here, lots of signs, I’m thanking Pope Francis for his life and his ministry, and now we are starting to look forward. That’s all for now. Talk to you soon.”

Stay tuned for more