Vatican City – April 2025 – The funeral of Pope Francis took place, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Under a bright, sunny sky, the farewell to Pope Francis was a deeply emotional and a heartfelt moment, marked by prayer and unity. The People of God, who had embraced him on Easter Sunday without knowing it would be the last time, accompanied him with love and affection in this last part of his earthly journey. Immediately afterward, at 1:00 p.m., the Rite of Burial began at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, in accordance with the prescriptions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Camerlengo Joseph Kevin Farrell. Thousands of faithful have already gathered at St. Mary Major to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, to pray at his tomb and to leave floral tributes.

Turin, Italy – March 2025 – On March 25, the 29th General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales elected Fr. Fabio Attard as the new Rector Major. He is the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, entrusted with leading the Salesian Congregation and continuing its mission of serving young people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, across 136 countries worldwide.
On the evening of March 25, upon his arrival from Rome to Turin, the new Rector Major was warmly welcomed and greeted. This was followed by the formal act of the profession of faith, the most solemn and institutional moment of the occasion. Fr. Attard then delivered his first address, outlining his vision and key directions for the Congregation. The day after his election, he also celebrated his first Mass as Rector Major in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, Turin.

Turin, Italy – March 2025 – The 29th General Chapter (GC29), currently taking place in Turin-Valdocco, is a pivotal moment of discernment, collaboration, and commitment for Salesians worldwide. In recent days, participants have analyzed the current state of the Congregation, reflected on key challenges, and proposed concrete actions to shape the future of the Salesian mission. Over the past few weeks, the chapter members have also taken part in meaningful and enriching visits, such as a trip to Cuorgnè, the birthplace of Saint Callistus Caravario, and a visit to the Museum of the Holy Shroud. Additionally, with the work of the Commissions now in full swing, the chapter members participated in the Ash Wednesday celebration at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. Currently, the proceedings are progressing with clarity and a spirit of shared vision, aiming to formulate proposals that faithfully reflect the prevailing thoughts of the participants. These guidelines will serve as the foundation for key decisions that will shape the future of the Congregation.