(ANS – Zagreb) – The biennial assembly of the Union of Conferences of Major Superiors of Europe (UCESM) brought together representatives of the Conferences of Religious Superiors from across Europe for a four-day meeting held in Zagreb from 20 to 24 April 2026. The meeting was attended by around 60 people, reflecting the breadth and diversity of consecrated life across the continent. Among those present were three members of the Salesian Family who hold key leadership roles within their respective national conferences: Sister Teuta Buka, FMA, President of the Conference of Major Superiors in Albania; Fr Eric Cachia, SDB, President of the Conference of Major Superiors in Malta; and Sr Zdenka Švédová, FMA, President of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Czech Republic. The assembly focused on four key themes of urgent relevance to religious life today: safeguarding, the impact and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence, interculturalism within communities and the mission, and engagement with young people in a rapidly changing social landscape. These topics were explored through presentations, dialogues and shared reflections, fostering collaboration and mutual learning among the participants. A significant moment of the meeting was the election of a new executive committee, which will guide the work of UCESM in the coming years, ensuring ongoing coordination and support among the Conferences of Major Superiors across Europe.
