Eighth General Congregation highlights Church’s missionary priorities

The eighth General Congregation of Cardinals convened this morning in the Vatican, bringing together over 180 Cardinals—more than 120 of them electors—in preparation for the upcoming conclave on May 2.

According to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, the meeting opened at 9:00 a.m. with prayer and concluded at 12:30 p.m. Several cardinals who recently arrived were sworn in during a mid-morning break.

A total of 25 interventions were delivered, touching on key themes such as evangelization, synodality, and ecclesial unity. Among the notable topics were:

• The missionary spirit is central to Pope Francis’ pontificate.

• Evangelization as a call to fraternal communion

• Reaching young people with the Gospel

• The suffering and witness of Eastern Churches

• Effective Gospel communication from parish to Curia

• The Church’s witness of unity, inspired by Christ’s command to love

• Scandals as obstacles to evangelization

• The role of the liturgy in the life of the Church

• The importance of Canon Law

• Synodality in relation to mission, collegiality, and secularism

• Continuity between the pontificates of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis

• The Eucharist as the heart of missionary work

Bruni also firmly denied media rumors about a health incident involving Cardinal Pietro Parolin, stating, "No, this incident did not happen. It is not true." He further clarified that no medical personnel were called during the session.

The atmosphere of the congregation reflected a strong desire for unity and mission as the Church prepares for the election of a new pope.