On the afternoon of May 5, 2025, the College of Cardinals gathered for the Eleventh General Congregation, held in anticipation of the upcoming Conclave. The session brought together 170 Cardinals, including 132 electors, and began solemnly with a moment of prayer.

As reported by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, the gathering featured approximately 20 interventions, each contributing to a broader reflection on some of the Church’s most pressing issues. Discussions delved into the global migration crisis, with speakers highlighting both the challenges and spiritual richness that migrants bring to the Church. The need to nurture the faith of migrant communities and to view their presence as a divine gift emerged as a recurring theme.

Ethnocentrism, both within the Church and wider society, also received pointed critique, with calls for deeper inclusivity and pastoral openness. Several Cardinals, particularly those from Asia and Africa, addressed the toll of ongoing conflicts and wars in their regions, urging collective solidarity and peacebuilding efforts.

Another major area of focus was the Synod on Synodality, as participants revisited the Church's ecclesiology of communion and the need for a more participatory and dialogical approach to governance. The assembly also reflected on the responsibilities of the cardinals in supporting the future Pope, underlining the qualities needed in a pastoral leader—chiefly, openness to dialogue and the ability to engage with diverse religious and cultural traditions.

Concerns regarding the rise of sects and their impact on Church unity were also raised, adding to the multifaceted discussion.

The meeting concluded at 7:00 PM, setting the stage for the Twelfth General Congregation, scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM the following morning, Tuesday, May 6.