Pope Leo XIV congratulated the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) on its 70th anniversary, offering his Apostolic Blessing and encouraging its members to bear joyful witness to Christ.
“As you mark seven decades of fostering collaboration among male religious in the United States of America, it is an appropriate time to give thanks to God for the graces received during these years,” the Pope wrote in a letter dated July 16.
The CMSM is marking the anniversary during its 2026 National Assembly, being held in Phoenix, Arizona, from July 21 to 23. According to the organisation's website, the conference is “the pontifically recognised national representative organization serving leaders of men's religious congregations, monastic communities, and religious institutes in the United States”.
Before his election to the papacy, Leo was a member of the Order of St Augustine, one of the religious institutes represented by the CMSM.
The Pope encouraged those attending the assembly to “consider community life ‘as a place of sanctification and a source of inspiration, witness and strength in your apostolate,’” quoting an address he delivered in September 2025.
“Indeed, it is precisely through sharing everything in common, including material goods, spiritual experiences, apostolic ideals and charitable service that the hidden presence of the risen Lord is made manifest among you,” he wrote.
Leo said he trusted that “these days of reflection, dialogue and prayer will allow you to discern ways to deepen the fraternal communion both within and among your Institutes”, enabling members to “continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ in the various communities and apostolates where you serve”.
“With these sentiments, I assure you of my spiritual closeness and entrust the National Assembly to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. To all present I impart my Apostolic Blessing, which I willingly extend to all in the Congregations which you represent,” he wrote.
