From 25 to 28 May, in the Vatican

The 82nd General Assembly is about to begin

From 25 to 28 May, the 82nd General Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference will be held at the Vatican, in the Synod Hall: proceedings will begin at 16.00 on Monday 25 May with an opening address by Cardinal President Matteo Zuppi, and will conclude on Thursday 28 May with an address by Pope Leo XIV.

The Assembly will focus on the “Guidelines for the Journey of the Churches in Italy” and on certain decisions regarding the reception of the synodal journey: the Bishops will be called upon to approve a pastoral vision for the coming years, bringing to fruition the synodal journey undertaken and summarized in the Synthesis Document, and identifying certain priorities for ecclesial life. The Guidelines, in fact, do not replace the synodal text, but highlight a few aspects on which it seems necessary to converge: against the backdrop of the awareness that faith can no longer be taken for granted and the consequent perception that society no longer normally refers to the Gospel.

During the proceedings, elections will be held for the Vice-President (for the Northern region), the Members of the Council for Economic Affairs, and the Presidents of the Episcopal Commissions.

Also on the agenda are certain legal and administrative matters and an announcement regarding the National Eucharistic Congress, scheduled for 2027.

At 13.00 on Wednesday 27 May, in the Atrium of the Paul VI Hall, Cardinal President will meet with journalists. The final Press Release will be issued on Thursday 28.

Accreditation and participation procedure

Journalists and media operators who wish to attend the events open to the press must apply, no later than 24 hours before the event, exclusively via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at: press.vatican.va/accreditamenti

Accredited journalists and media representatives may attend:

•    Cardinal Zuppi’s introduction, scheduled for Monday 25 May at 16:00 (meeting at 15:30 in front of the entrance to the Paul VI Hall);

•    the Eucharistic Celebration in Saint Peter’s Basilica presided over by Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, scheduled for Wednesday 27 May at 8:30;

•    the press conference in the Atrium of the Paul VI Hall, scheduled for Wednesday 27 May at 13:00.

Rome, 22 May 2026