The 69th General Assembly of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) will begin at 4.30pm on Monday, 16 May, with the opening address by the Holy Father (live broadcast on TV2000 and www.chiesacattolica.it). The Assembly will be held at the Vatican’s Synod Hall until Thursday, 19 May, as announced by the CEI National Office for Social Communications today. Following the address by the president, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the bishops will hold a debate on the main point on the agenda: the renewal of the clergy, starting with the permanent formation. Other topics on the agenda include the discussion of guidelines in the field of economic management, the revision of church tribunal rules, and other legal and administrative matters. On Wednesday, 18 May, there will be a Eucharistic concelebration presided over by Card. Bagnasco in St. Peter’s Basilica at 8.30am to mark the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. On Thursday, 19 May, there will be a press conference with Card. Bagnasco in the Paul VI Hall at 1pm.