Pope Leo XIV offered a message of gratitude and encouragement to Catholic religious leaders in the United States as the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) celebrated its 70th anniversary during its 2026 National Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona, in July. In a letter read by the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy Father thanked God for the many graces received by the conference over the past seven decades. He encouraged its members “to continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ” in the communities and apostolates where they serve.

Pope Leo also recognized the important role CMSM has played in strengthening religious life in the United States, noting that its work “has helped to reinforce the public witness of consecrated men who devote their lives to the service of the Gospel.” The Pope expressed his appreciation for CMSM’s efforts to provide a place for dialogue, collaboration and mutual support among the leaders of men’s religious communities. These efforts, he said, help religious institutes remain united in their mission while faithfully responding to the needs of the Church and the world today.

The 2026 National Assembly brought together leaders of Catholic religious institutes for men, monasteries and societies of apostolic life under the theme, “One in Christ: Communal Life Today.”  The Conference of Major Superiors of Men serves as the national organization representing the leaders of men’s Catholic religious communities in the United States. The Missionaries of La Salette are represented by our Provincial Superior, Very Rev. William Kaliyadan, M.S., who is an active member of CMSM and serves as a regional chairperson.