Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi opened the 81st General Assembly of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) with a strong appeal for renewed dedication to peace, human dignity, and the protection of the marginalized. His remarks come just days before Pope Leo XIV is set to travel to Assisi to close the national gathering of bishops.
Speaking at the Domus Pacis in Santa Maria degli Angeli on 17 November, Cardinal Zuppi drew attention to the suffering caused by global conflicts and the growing number of people pushed to the margins of society. According to Vatican News, he urged the bishops to take up “concrete initiatives to restore equality among all women and men today, to relaunch a season of rights and true justice for every people and nation.”
The Cardinal, who serves as President of the CEI and Archbishop of Bologna, emphasized that the Church in Italy must not look away from those enduring hardship—especially the poor, migrants, and the imprisoned. He also pointed to regions devastated by war, highlighting the Church’s responsibility to remain engaged in supporting development and humanitarian cooperation.
In particular, Cardinal Zuppi insisted that attention cannot drift from Ukraine. Citing the Vatican News report, he referred to the need to keep focus on “the martyred Ukraine,” reminding Catholic leaders that their moral leadership must extend to every place where violence has torn apart communities.
He also referenced ongoing efforts in the Holy Land and Gaza, noting that Europe has a unique responsibility in shaping a durable path to peace. As Vatican News reported, he stressed that “Christian Europe has much to say and much to reflect upon,” calling for deeper collaboration between Europe and the Mediterranean region.
The four-day Assembly, taking place 17–20 November, gathers bishops from all regions of Italy to discuss pastoral priorities, safeguarding efforts, Catholic education, and the lessons emerging from Italy’s recently completed Synodal Path. The pastoral guidelines resulting from that national synodal process are expected to be finalized at the General Assembly scheduled for May 2026.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to join the bishops in Assisi on Thursday, 20 November, meeting them at 9:30 a.m. in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli to formally close the Assembly. His presence is anticipated to further underline the Church’s call to peace, fraternity, and renewed mission in a time of global tension.
As Cardinal Zuppi reminded his fellow shepherds, the Church must stand near those suffering from war, displacement, and injustice—calling Catholics to a renewed commitment to the Gospel’s demands for peace and human dignity.
