Asian Bishops to Gather in Indonesia for Major Assembly Focused on Unity and Mission

Bangkok, Thailand, July 10, 2026: Catholic bishops from across Asia will gather in Jakarta later this month for a landmark assembly aimed at strengthening collaboration among local Churches and renewing the Church's missionary mission across the continent.

The 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) will take place from 20 to 26 July in the Indonesian capital, bringing together around 120 participants, including bishops, theologians, pastoral experts and representatives of the Holy See.

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Jakarta at Hotel Mulia Senayan, the week-long gathering will focus on the theme: "Synodal Conversion and the Church's Mission to Build Bridges of Communion."

A Time for Prayer and Discernment

According to the FABC, the assembly is inspired by Jesus' words to Nathanael in the Gospel of John: "You will see greater things than these" (John 1:50).

The meeting will provide an opportunity for Church leaders from across Asia to pray together, reflect on the challenges facing the Church, and discern how Catholics can more effectively proclaim the Gospel while fostering unity among diverse communities.

Participants will also share pastoral experiences from their respective countries, enabling local Churches to learn from one another and strengthen cooperation across the region.

Prominent Church Leaders to Address the Assembly

The opening Eucharistic celebration will be presided over by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who has been appointed as the Holy Father's Special Envoy for the event.

The opening keynote address will be delivered by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, who is expected to outline the Church's vision for deeper collaboration throughout Asia.

One of the highlights of the assembly will be a day dedicated to prayer and reflection on synodal spirituality, led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization.

Participants will also hear keynote presentations from renowned Czech theologian Msgr. Tomáš Halík and scholar Dr. Choong Pui Yee, who will offer reflections on the Church's mission in today's rapidly changing societies.

Strengthening the Church's Mission in Asia

The assembly comes at a significant moment as the Catholic Church continues to embrace the vision of synodality—a model that encourages listening, dialogue and shared responsibility among clergy, religious and lay faithful.

Asia is home to immense cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, making collaboration among local Churches particularly important. Through discussion and discernment, bishops hope to identify new ways of strengthening spreading the word while promoting peace, dialogue and communion within society.

The gathering will also provide opportunities to discuss pastoral priorities and the future direction of the Church across the continent.

Message from Pope Leo XIV

A message from Pope Leo XIV to the participants will be released on 25 July, offering encouragement and guidance as the assembly reaches its conclusion.

Before the meeting ends, delegates will approve a final statement summarising the key reflections and commitments that emerge from the week's discussions.

The assembly will conclude on 26 July with the celebration of Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jakarta.

A Symbol of Interfaith Harmony

Following the closing Eucharistic celebration, participants will walk through Jakarta's renowned "Tunnel of Friendship", which connects the Catholic cathedral with the nearby Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

The symbolic visit highlights Indonesia's commitment to interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence, reflecting the assembly's broader mission of building bridges of communion—not only within the Church, but also among people of different faiths.

For the bishops gathering in Jakarta, the week will be more than a conference. It will be an opportunity to renew the Church's mission, deepen fraternity across Asia and strengthen its witness to hope, unity and peace.

Courtesy Msgr. Joji Vadakara, Vatican News