Rome, Italy. The Union of Superiors General (USG) has elected its new executive team during the November 2024 Assembly, held from November 20-22 at Fraterna Domus near Rome. Representing 211 congregations of Pontifical right, the USG unites diverse religious institutes to address shared challenges and advance common goals.
In effect, the Union, founded to foster mutual support among religious communities, organizes its member congregations into the following subsections:
- Canons Regular (10 congregations)
- Monastic Life (26 congregations)
- Mendicant Orders (15 congregations)
- Regular Clerics (8 congregations)
- Clerical Congregations (89 congregations)
- Institutes of Brothers (31 congregations)
- Societies of Apostolic Life (32 congregations)
Each subsection elects its representative, while the President and Vice President are chosen by the entire membership. The leadership team meets regularly to set priorities, strengthen ties with the Vatican, and prepare for key events, including a special audience with Pope Francis every three years.
The newly elected executive team will serve a three-year term, guiding the USG in its mission to foster consecrated life in the Church. Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, was elected President, while Fr. Mauro Lepori, O.CIST, Abbot General of the Cistercians, was chosen as Vice President.
The team also includes representatives from seven subsections of religious life, ensuring a rich diversity of perspectives:
- Fr. Laurentius Tarpin (Canons Regular of the Holy Cross)
- Fr. Bernardus Peters (Trappists)
- Fr. Roberto Genuin, OFM Cap (Capuchins)
- Fr. Teodor Kalaw (Clerics Regular Minor)
- Fr. Alain Mayama (Spiritans)
- Fr. Alberto Toutin (Sacred Hearts)
- Fr. Jean-Michel Amouriaux (Eudists)
- Fr. Louis Ignacio Rois, OMI (Oblates of Mary Immaculate)
- Br. Mark Hilton (Sacred Heart Brothers)
- Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF (Claretians)
The USG assemblies, convened annually in May and November, serve as a platform for leaders to exchange insights, address pressing issues, and plan for the future. This November, 113 participants engaged in discussions on their shared mission, joined by representatives from the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, as well as the Union of Superiors General of Women’s Congregations.
With this renewed leadership, the USG continues to embody its mission of unity, service, and evangelization, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic future for consecrated life.
