From 22 to 25 May, in the Vatican
The 77th General Assembly to commence
From 22 to 25 May, in the Vatican’s Synod Hall, the 77th General Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) will open and close with two interventions from Pope Francis: indeed, on Monday 22 a private meeting with the bishops is planned (the press will not be present) and on Thursday 25, there will be an open meeting with the referents of the Synodal Path (Paul VI Hall).
On Tuesday 23, at 9.00, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna and president of the CEI, will open the assembly with his introduction. During the morning, the bishops will elect a vice president of the CEI, whereas in the afternoon the representatives of the CEI at the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (first period – 4 to 29 October, second period – October 2024) will be elected. The agenda will also include a series of legal and administrative tasks.
The day of Wednesday 24 will be dedicated to a focus on the main theme of the Assembly – “Listening to what the Spirit is saying to the Churches. Steps towards discernment” - and discussion in the synod groups. The attention to listening to everyone and, in particular, to the last ones is also made explicit by the choice to give the bishops a “Made in Prison” bag, made with recycled materials: a concrete sign of the commitment to offer a second chance to people in detention and a new life to fabrics and objects, under the banner of social inclusion and environmental protection.
On Thursday 25, before the meeting with the Holy Father scheduled at 11:00, Cardinal Zuppi will preside at the Eucharistic Celebration in Saint Peter'’ Basilica at 8:30. At 15:00, in the Atrium of the Paul VI Hall, he will present the Final Communiqué at a press conference.
Finally, on 25 and 26 May, the national assembly of the diocesan referents of the Synodal Path will be held (Rome, Ergife Palace Hotel).
ACCREDITATION AND ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Journalists and media workers who wish to attend the events open to the press must apply, within 24 hours of the event, exclusively via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at press.vatican.va/accreditamenti.
Journalists and media workers may attend:
- The introduction by Cardinal Zuppi, scheduled for Tuesday 23 May at 9.00 (appointment at 8.30 in front of the entrance of the Paul VI Hall);
- The Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Cardinal Zuppi in Saint Peter’s Basilica, at the Altar of the Cathedra, scheduled for Thursday 25 May at 8.30;
- The meeting of the Holy Father with bishop and delegates of the synodal Path in the Paul VI Hall, scheduled for Thursday 25 May at 11.00;
- The Press Conference to conclude the work in the Atrium of the Paul VI Hall, scheduled for Thursday 25 May at 15.00.
Rome, 19 May 2023.
