Three elderly nuns—Rita (82), Regina (86), and Bernadette (88)—made headlines after escaping a Catholic care home and returning to their abandoned convent at Goldenstein Castle near Salzburg.

Church authorities had insisted they move to the care home due to their health, accusing them of breaking vows of obedience, but officials now say the sisters can remain at the convent “until further notice.”

A church proposal for their stay includes halting social media activity, dismissing lawyers, and accepting medical and spiritual care, though the sisters have refused to sign it.

Supporters say the proposal is a unilateral attempt to control the nuns, while the sisters continue to welcome visitors and post on Instagram, France 24 has reported.

The dispute has drawn widespread attention, highlighting tensions between the nuns’ independence and church authority.