The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, from 10 to 12 June. The public sessions on 10 and 11 June will be livestreamed on the USCCB website. The public portion of the assembly will begin with an address by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, who will deliver his first remarks as president of the Conference. He will be followed by Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, the Papal Nuncio to the United States, who is also expected to deliver an address to the body of bishops - the first time he will address the US episcopate since his appointment.
Action items on the agenda
The plenary agenda has not yet been finalised and is therefore subject to change, but it is expected to include votes on a number of action items. Two items pertain to a consultation on causes of beatification and canonisation: Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh and John Rick Miller. The Committee on Divine Worship will also present elements of a new edition of the Lectionary for Mass and the 2025 Roman Missal–Liturgy of the Hours Supplement for approval by the body of bishops.
Revision of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
A revision to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is also planned. The Charter was first discussed by bishops in regional meetings in November 2022, and the action item addresses elements of it that the bishops have determined are in need of improvement or further development. The proposed revisions align with the Charter's original intention of safeguarding minors and underscore the bishops' continued commitment to addressing the prevention of abuse and ensuring that structures continue to be in place to respond to allegations. The Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People has emphasised that the revision attempts to balance its care of and sensitivity to victim-survivors with an awareness of due process, the rights of the accused, pertinent aspects of the revised Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, Vos estis lux mundi, and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith's Vademecum.
Expected updates
Also expected to be addressed at the plenary are updates on the following: Synod implementation and evaluation; the feedback received during the bishops' fraternal dialogues at the November 2025 plenary about Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship; Catholic prison ministry; the USCCB's engagement with the Intercontinental Guadalupan Novena; and World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea. Also on the agenda is the 25th anniversary of the implementation of Ex Corde Ecclesiae in the United States. The presentation is expected to provide a reflection on Pope John Paul II's apostolic constitution to guide Catholic colleges and universities on theological and pastoral principles.
Consecration to the Sacred Heart in the sign of America 250
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the US bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Thursday, 11 June. To prepare for this occasion, the bishops will have time to hear reflections on the Sacred Heart from several of their brother bishops before the special Mass of consecration, which will be livestreamed on the USCCB's YouTube channel. The bishops' livestream event is intended to be a catalyst to encourage parishes and individuals to participate in the America 250 commemoration by contributing to 250 Hours of Adoration and/or 250 Works of Mercy.
Fr.K.C.
Silere non possum