Synodality and collegiality; reform of the marriage process; relationship between bishops and priests, were the three themes with which the Pope articulated the speech addressed to the Italian bishops, at the opening of the General Assembly of the CEI, in progress at the Vatican until May 23rd. We wish to investigate in particular the third point of the Pope’s speech: The relationship between Bishops and priests The Pope underlined how urgent it is to review the relationship between Bishops and priests, seen as one of the most vital issues in the life of the Church, – the Pontiff underlines – is the backbone on which it holds the Christian community. “The Bishop is the pastor, – said the Pope to the Bishops gathered in Rome for the 73rd General Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference – the sign of unity for the entire diocesan Church, the father and the guide for his priests and throughout the community of believers; he has the imperative task of caring primarily and carefully for his relationship with his priests. Unfortunately, some Bishops find it difficult to establish acceptable relationships with their priests, thus risking to ruin their mission and even weaken the mission of the Church itself. “We know well that in the Catholic Church there is no Bishop without his presbytery and, to his time, there is no presbytery without a healthy relationship with the Bishop. These words of the Pope are very significant and should stimulate a sincere conversion of Bishops and priests. The Pope reminded the Bishops gathered in the Assembly that the priests are the closest collaborators of the Bishops, “they are the closest neighbor” said the Pope. Hence the importance of mutual respect between Bishops and priests who manifest fidelity to Christ, love for the Church, adherence to the Good News. Francis insists on “hierarchical communion between bishops and priests”, which can unfortunately end and collapse because it is often infected by any form of power or personal self-gratification; but, on the contrary, it is strengthened and grows when it is embraced by the spirit of total abandonment and service to the people of God. All the Bishops – the Pope said – “have the duty of presence and closeness to the Christian people, but in particular to priests, without discrimination and without preferences. A true shepherd lives in the midst of his flock and his presbyters, and knows how to listen and welcome everyone without prejudice. “The words of the Pope when he warns the Bishops to” not fall into the temptation of approaching only the nice priests or flatterers are a tsunami. and to avoid those who according to the bishop are unpleasant and outspoken; to hand over all responsibilities to available priests or “climbers” and to discourage introverted or mild or timid priests, or problematic priests. Being the father of all his priests; – continued Francesco – take an interest in and look for everyone; visit all; always know how to find time to listen whenever someone asks or needs it; to make everyone feel esteemed and encouraged by his Bishop ”. It often occurs to so many priests confronting the laity that what the Pope said is true, we can also consider likely how many complaints or requests for help arrive every day on the Pope’s desk on this delicate subject. It is really comforting for the 41,367 priests in Italy hear the words of the Supreme Pontiff who appear as a balm to the media attack to which priests are daily subjected who are “often also ridiculed or condemned because of some errors or crimes of some of their colleagues, and also for this reason according to Francis the lively need to find in their Bishop the figure of the elder brother and of the father who encourages them in difficult times; it stimulates them to spiritual and human growth; it encourages them in times of failure; corrects them with love when they make mistakes; it comforts them when they feel alone; he raises them when they fall. This requires, first of all, closeness to our priests, who need to find the door of the Bishop and his heart always open ”. We wish the Pope and his brother Bishops to start a serious and real process of change and conversion, so that the whole Church can enjoy the fruits of a greater and credible communion, perhaps with the announcement of the desired Synod of the Italian Church starting from the dioceses , in fact – as the Pope said – “you cannot make a great Synod without going to the base”, starting from it and then perhaps thinking about a Synod of the Italian Church, making it become the Italian Synod of the People and not really only of the Bishops. This is the movement to do “from bottom to top”. The People of God expects from the clergy, deacons, presbyters and bishops, concrete answers for a better world and an increasingly free and redeemed Italy.