Assisi: Pope Leo XIV has called on the bishops of Italy to place Jesus at the heart of all their decisions and pastoral work. He made the appeal on Thursday in Assisi as he closed the 81st General Assembly of the Italian Bishops’ Conference at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

The four day meeting brought together bishops from across the country to discuss pastoral priorities, safeguarding and Catholic education, drawing on the results of Italy’s recent Synodal Path. Their final pastoral guidelines are expected in May 2026.

Pope Leo said Assisi, the home of St Francis, was the ideal place to reflect on faith, fraternity and peace, values the world urgently needs. He prayed that the example of St Francis would give the bishops the courage and strength to make decisions rooted in true faith.

 Pope stressed that the mission of the Church begins by looking to Jesus. He reminded the bishops that faith in Christ, who is crucified and risen, is the reason for their ministry. He urged them to guide people toward a personal relationship with Jesus and help them rediscover the joy of the Gospel.

Pointing to the divisions and anxieties affecting society, he said Christians must return to the essentials of their faith and share the message of peace that Jesus gives. He invited the bishops to help build communities marked by friendship, dialogue and genuine relationships, becoming signs of peace in a troubled world.

Pope Leo also repeated themes from his earlier meeting with the bishops in June, including the need to proclaim salvation, build peace, defend human dignity and strengthen a culture of dialogue. He said these goals align closely with the priorities raised during the Church’s Synodal Path in Italy.

He reminded the bishops that synodality means walking together with Christ and with all humanity toward God’s kingdom. He encouraged them to strengthen communion among themselves and to work collaboratively at every level of Church life.

 Pope urged them to stay close to families, young people, the elderly, those who feel alone and all who are poor or struggling. He also stressed the importance of protecting minors and vulnerable adults and continuing efforts to prevent abuse.

Pope Leo ended his address by encouraging the bishops to move forward with faith, inspired by the example of St Francis.

After the meeting,  Pope traveled to Montefalco to celebrate Mass at the Augustinian monastery.