At its National Assembly, held July 20–23, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) elected Friar Michael HEINE, OFM Conv., the Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA, as president-elect. He will assume office on July 22, 2027.
The CMSM is the pontifically recognized national representative organization serving leaders of men’s religious congregations, monastic communities, and religious institutes in the United States.
Friar Michael HEINE is currently the Secretary-Treasurer of the CMSM Board and chairs its Formation and Vocation Committee.
“It is an honor to be elected to serve the conference in this important position,” said Friar Michael. “I am particularly proud to be the second Conventual Franciscan elected president, following in the footsteps of Friar Canice (Donald) CONNORS, OFM Conv., who served as CMSM president from 2001 to 2004.”
Also present at the Assembly was the Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano CACCIA, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, who greeted the attendees and presented a personal letter from Pope Leo XIV. In his letter, the Holy Father spoke about community life as a place of sanctification and a source of inspiration: “I trust that these days of reflection, dialogue and prayer will allow you to discern ways to deepen the fraternal communion both within and among your Institutes, and in this way enable you to continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ in the various communities and apostolates where you serve.”
Through the leadership of the religious institutes, monastic communities, and societies of apostolic life, the CMSM addresses the life and concerns of the members of the institutes and societies in the United States, as well as the evangelizing mission of the institutes, monasteries, and societies in the context of the Church and culture in this country.
Kevin A. KEENAN
Director of Communications
