Amid sorrow over the passing of our beloved Pope Francis and gratitude to God for his generous witness, I am writing to share some immediate news.

As you are aware, the tenth Ordinary General Congress of the Work was scheduled to take place in Rome over the next two weeks, concluding on May 5.

After listening to the Central Advisory and the General Council, and considering that most Congress participants have already arrived in Rome due to the imminent start dates, it has been decided that the Congress will be reduced to the minimum necessary: the renewal of positions in the General Council and the Central Advisory, which are appointed or renewed every eight years.

Let us take advantage of these days to live in communion with the whole Church during the mourning and funeral rites for the Holy Father. All the regions of Opus Dei will be present in some way in the Eternal City through your sisters and brothers at the Congress.

The other questions that were to be dealt with at the Congress, which I mentioned to you in my message of April 8, will be studied later. Now is a time of mourning, prayer and unity with the whole Church.

As I wrote in my previous message, let us turn to Holy Mary, Mother of Hope, so that during this period of vacancy of the See, she may be a consolation and guide for all in the Church.

Fernando Ocáriz

Rome, April 21, 2025