Pope Francis Opens the 74th General Assembly of the Italian Bishops and says "The synod has to start from the bottom up, from small communities, small parishes, and it's going to require patience, it's going to require work...to bring out the wisdom of the people of God."

The Holy Father Francis opened the 74th General Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference, the Holy Father Francis left Casa Santa Marta and went by car to the Ergife Palace Hotel in Rome to open the 74th General Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), which takes place from 24 to 27 May , on the theme "Proclaiming the Gospel in a time of rebirth - To start a synodal journey ".

Upon his arrival, Pope Francis was welcomed by the Most Eminent Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, Archbishop of Perugia-Città della Pieve and President of the CEI; by the Vice Presidents HE Mons. Mario Meini, Bishop of Fiesole; and HE Mons. Franco Giulio Brambilla, Bishop of Novara; and by the Secretary General, HE Mons. Stefano Russo, Bishop Emeritus of Fabriano-Matelica.

After the introductory prayer and the presentation by Cardinal Bassetti, the Holy Father delivered his speech.

At the end of the meeting, the Pope left the Egife Palace Hotel and returns to the Vatican.

Pope Francis said, "The synod has to start from the bottom up, from small communities, small parishes, and it's going to require patience, it's going to require work, it is going to require people to speak up, to bring out the wisdom of the people of God."