The Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) is the permanent union of the Bishops of the Churches in Italy, who to promote the life of the Church, support its evangelising mission and develop its service for the good of the Church jointly exercise pastoral functions and, according to the law, assume legislative decisions.

The Italian Bishops’ Conference, established as a permanent body with its own statutes and regulations, is a public legal entity in accordance with canonical ordinance.

With a view to promoting the good of the Church and its service in Italy, the Conference encourages collegial affection, fraternal communion and the permanent formation of the Bishops. In addition it stimulates unanimous action and collaboration between the individual Churches, so that they may better carry out their mission.