Religious Converge on Vatican Amid Falling Numbers, Growing Scandals

Men and women religious are converging on the Vatican this week to prepare for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee of Hope, striving to resist the temptation to despair instead over falling numbers in religious orders and a slew of high-profile scandals. From Feb. 1-4, more than 300 representatives of various consecrated communities from over 60 countries will be in Rome to participate in a special meeting in preparation for the 2025 jubilee celebrations, which are expected to draw around 35 million pilgrims over the course of the year.