Pope Francis opens assembly of Italian Bishops’ Conference

Pope Francis meets with the Italian Bishops’ Conference in the Paul VI Hall, as the group gathers to reflect on their journey along the synodal path.

By Vatican News staff reporter

As the 76th General Assembly of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) got underway on Monday, Pope Francis spoke to Italy’s Bishops in the Vatican for around 2 hours, according to the Holy See Press Office.

Their meeting takes place on 23-27 May, and is focused on the theme: “Listening to the Narratives of the People of God: The first discernment: What priorities are emerging along the Synodal Journey?”

Italy’s Bishops are meeting in Rome at the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel, and are set to select candidates to fill the position of President of the CEI.

Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, the outgoing CEI president, leads off the Assembly’s work on Tuesday, which will see the Italian Bishops nominate three of their number as candidates.

Pope Francis will choose the new CEI president from those three names.

The CEI will hold a press conference on Friday at the conclusion of their General Assembly.