The Order of Friars Minor Conventual currently has 25 archbishops and bishops serving around the world. The Order also has two cardinals.
On November 20-22, 2023, 18 of these Conventual Franciscan bishops came to the General Curia in Rome and on November 23, they made a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi. The gathering was part of the 800th anniversary celebration of the confirmation of the Later Rule.
Following Mass in the crypt of the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles, Minister General Friar Carlos Trovarelli greeted everyone and reflected on the Later Rule.
Over the next two days, the bishops attended several in-depth lectures — episcopal ministry in light of the Later Rule, episcopal ministry in the magisterium of Pope Francis, and how the elevation of religious men to the episcopate affects the juridical and fraternal ties with their Orders.
The bishops attended a general audience with the Holy Father on November 22. Wearing their religious habits, they gave a visible sign of their Franciscan identity.
This is an excerpt from an article by Friar Maurizio Di Paolo, Procurator General. More details on the gathering along with many more photos are available at ofmconv.net
