More than six decades after its founding, Missionaries of Charity now has more than 5,500 members following Mother Teresa\u2019s credo in 133 countries. They work at leper colonies, hospices, orphanages, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. Hundreds of thousands of lay volunteers also contribute.<\/p>\n
For her commitment to pluralism, as well as \u201cthe spirit that has inspired her activities,\u201d\u009d she was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. After receiving the award, the already-famous nun achieved levels of popularity and influence second only to the pope, John Paul II. This in a church that supposedly oppresses women.<\/p>\n
Mother Teresa\u2019s ascension challenged the narrative that women couldn\u2019t become significant players in the Catholic Church. In some ways, she was more powerful than the cardinals who select the pope, not all of whom had the personal relationship with John Paul II that Mother Teresa had.<\/p>\n