FIAC is an international body recognised by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, composed by associations – whether known as Catholic Action or by another name – established at national level which meet the four well-known characteristics, taken together, set out in the Decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council *Apostolicam Actuositatem* at no. 20, 2–3 – and which, consequently, meet the criteria set out in the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation *Christifideles laici* at no. 31, 3, right up to Pope Francis’s definition of a “training ground for synodality”.
Born out of an intuition during the 1987 Synod, and encouraged by the then President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Eduardo F. Pironio—now Blessed—the FIAC currently comprises 26 member countries and around thirty observer countries.
The national representatives of the member and observer countries, together with a number of bishops and assistants, will meet in Rome at the TH Roma / Domus Mariae from 15 to 18 October 2026 for the International Conference on the theme “Catholic Action: Synodality and Mission”. The conference will also include the 9th Ordinary Assembly of the FIAC, at which the countries of the Secretariat for the four-year period 2026–2030 will be elected.
On 15 October, during the public opening ceremony, the leaders of international ecclesial associations and movements will also be invited. On 17 October, the participants will be received in audience by Pope Leo XIV.
The International Conference will offer the opportunity to share moments of prayer, reflection, continental-level work, evaluation and looking ahead.
It will be a special occasion to foster and strengthen the bonds of friendship among participants, which nourish our shared identity whilst respecting the many diversities characteristic of a lay association that is inculturated and collaborates within the local Churches and the pluralistic contexts in which we live.
The event will conclude on Sunday 18 October with participation in the 100th World Mission Day, on the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV “One in Christ, united in mission”.
