"The Church could actually influence the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich," she said. "And it can create a new mindset of sympathy, compassion to the poor."
Flores-Oebanda went on to call leaders to "go beyond just a commitment or words," but to implement action on the ground.
"I just want them to know that we're already there. Women, Catholic like us, are already on the ground, and are waiting for them to support us."
Hosted at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the event brought together women from various fields to give witness to their work, such as in areas of poverty and the defense of human dignity and equality. This year's gathering is also co-sponered by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).
Chantal Götz, executive director of Fidel Götz Foundation which sponsors the conference, spoke with CNA March 4 about the influence of the Jubilee of Mercy on this year's gathering.
"Mercy is a difficult topic," she said. "I would say all the speakers" work with so-called "with fallen women, or fallen girls."
"They all try to empower girls and these women," she added. "This is the way I see they give mercy," in helping them restore their dignity.
For instance, Sr. Mary Doris of the Sisters of Saint Dominic, a speaker at the conference, has worked with more than 2,500 homeless mothers over the last 26 years. She works in helping them find dignity through various programs, including one which gives mothers the opportunity to create a lullaby for their children, which is then performed at Carnegie Hall.
"Mercy comes in so many forms," Götz said.
First held in 2014, the conference was established in response to Pope Francis' call to "broaden the space within the Church for a more incisive feminine presence."