Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross, attended his first general assembly of the Union of Superiors General following his election on July 1, 2022. Approximately 125 Superiors General gathered from November 22-25 under the theme of Fratelli Tuttie: Called to be Artisans of Peace at Fraterna Domus, a religious conference center outside of Rome.

Given the social justice theme, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations and one of the keynote speakers, treated how the Church promotes peace throughout the world. Presentations were also made on the work of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission, and the Solidarity in Sudan project, a collaborative initiative of men and women religious in South Sudan. 

Br. Bednarczyk was invited along with two other religious to give a 20-minute address on how peace and justice education and experiences are incorporated into the religious formation programs of their congregations.

Read the Holy Father's Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tuttie

The day prior to the assembly, Br. Paul Bednarczyk participated with 23 other new Superiors General in a leadership orientation held at the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and the USG office. 

On Saturday, the entire group had a private audience with Pope Francis in the Synod Hall of the Paul VI Pavilion. The session, which was closed to the press, consisted of an informal exchange with the Holy Father on matters pertaining to the Church, consecrated life, mission, and religious leadership. The Holy Father spoke candidly of his experiences and hopes for the Church and religious life in the future. After the session, he greeted each Superior General personally thanking him for his service in furthering the life and works of consecrated life.