SOUTH BEND, IN (05-17-2026) – The University of Notre Dame awarded an honorary degree to Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE during commencement ceremonies held at the Notre Dame campus stadium. She and six other distinguished leaders were selected to receive this prestigious honor. Sister Raffaella serves as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State.

Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. in mid-March announced Sister Raffaella as the primary speaker for the commencement ceremonies: “Sister Raffaella is an extraordinary leader who works tirelessly for the common good and radiates the peace, love and hope of Christ. As the highest-ranking woman in the Vatican, she embodies the future of women’s leadership in the Church, having served Pope Francis and now Pope Leo with deep wisdom, unfailing dedication and true humility,” Father Dowd said. “It is a privilege to have her address the members of the Class of 2026 and their loved ones who are sure to be inspired by her words and prophetic witness.”

Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE delivers commencement address.

The crowd of over 20,000 heard Sister Raffaella’s words of hope, “Your time at Notre Dame here on this beautiful campus has prepared you well to embrace the future with hope . . .” Continuing the theme of hope as promoted by Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, she reminded the graduates that “Christians are always called to communicate hope.” She then illustrated “how do we do that?” and pointed out attributes of hope – hope is generative, active, collaborative, participatory and engaging, and “you will be people of hope” if those attributes are demonstrated in practical ways in your daily lives.

We Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist congratulate Sister Raffaella on being honored by the University of Notre Dame for her dedicated service to the Church as a faithful Consecrated woman of hope.

Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE encourages graduating class to be witnesses of hope.

See the full text of the Commencement Address 

Photos courtesy of University of Notre Dame