Vatican City — Catholic nuns are demanding stronger action from the Vatican to confront sexual abuse by clergy and dismantle the Church’s long-standing “macho” culture.

Many nuns, once silenced about abuse, are now speaking out, saying it's time to stop "waiting for men to speak." Though Pope Francis made progress—lifting the pontifical secret and opening abuse cases like that of priest Marko Rupnik—activists say more must be done.

Groups like the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), representing around 600,000 nuns, are leading efforts for reform, calling for expanded legal protections, extended statutes of limitations, and greater female representation in Church leadership.

The push comes as abuse survivors, advocates, and Church insiders agree: the Vatican can no longer ignore the voices of women demanding justice and change.