From September 15 to 22, 2024, Bishop Robert Pipta and 266 other newly appointed bishops from around the world gathered for the “Annual Course of Formation for New Bishops,” also known as New Bishop School or “Baby Bishop School.” Sponsored by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, this mandatory event for bishops ordained in the previous year fosters global connections, allowing them to spend time with each other, Vatican officials, and the pope. (*Photo 1: Bishop Robert Pipta with Metropolitan Jonah of Presov awaiting the new bishops’ audience with the Holy Father in Rome.)
This year’s group of recently ordained bishops from the U.S. with Cardinal Christophe Pierre after a dinner in Rome. (Submitted photo from Angelus News)
The week included joint working sessions to promote collaboration between the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Dicastery for Bishops. Key topics covered were peace and conflict resolution, fostering family life, and nurturing marriage within the Church. Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ led a session on Pope Francis’ encyclical “Fratelli Tutti,” emphasizing global unity and reconciliation. Additionally, bishops discussed the Holy See’s role in a globalized world, the apostolate of the laity, and living the Episcopal Mission in a Synodal Church. They had audiences with Pope Francis on September 19 and 21.