The 2017 AMI Conference and General Assembly took place in Rome at the invitation of Bishop Santo Marcianò, Military Ordinary of Italy. Delegates from four continents gathered under the theme “Searching for our Roots”, aiming to define a unifying set of principles—or a “new 10 commandments”—to guide Catholic military members in their service.

Key highlights included lectures by Archbishop Tomasi on the moral foundations of international law, Cardinal Ravasi on the military’s cultural and peacekeeping role, and Prof. Dr. Theo de Wit on the importance of patriotism over nationalism. Delegates also engaged in diplomatic encounters with military attachés, attended a concert in the Pantheon, and most significantly, met Pope Francis, who blessed the assembly.

The conference elected new leadership, discussed making AMI more accessible through a mobile app, and emphasized expanding AMI’s diplomatic and NGO role. As a symbolic outcome, the acronym AMI was redefined: A for Amore (love of God and humanity), M for Military Ministry, and I for Information, reflecting the organization’s mission.