This afternoon, at 15.45, the Holy Father Francis left Casa Santa Marta and transferred by car to the Ergife Palace Hotel in Rome to open the 74th General Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), taking place from 24 to 27 May, on the theme “Proclaiming the Gospel in a time of rebirth - To launch a synodal journey".

Upon arrival, Pope Francis was welcomed by His Eminence Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, archbishop of Perugia-Città della Pieve and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI); by the Vice Presidents Bishop Mario Meini of Fiesole; and Bishop Franco Giulio Brambilla of Novara; and by the secretary general, Bishop Stefano Russo, emeritus of Fabriano-Matelica.

After the introductory prayer and presentation by Cardinal Bassetti, the Holy Father delivered his address.

At the end of the meeting, the Pope left the Ergife Palace Hotel and returned to the Vatican.