Late at night of November 11, 2005, the General Chapter approved the conclusions, whith 51 votes in favour and 1 abstention. The following morning started with the concluding Eucharist in the Basilica of the Porziuncula. The pastoral visitor, fr. José Rodriguez Carraballo OFM, Minister general, in name of the Conference of General Ministers of the First Order and the TOR, was the main celebrant. In his talk to the members of the Chapter, he insisted on the need for formation. "We want you to be seculars, well educated and formed seculars!". This last session of the Chapter ended shortly after noon, followed by lunch and departure.

In the Conclusions, it was stated, among other things, that the Chapter had discussed the following topics:

1. Reports and Activities of the Presidency
2. Presentation of Theme: "La Novitas Franciscana Mission and Testimony"
3. Round Table: "How to live our mission and offer our testimony in the various continents and cultures"
4. Emerging Fraternities
5. Analysis of Financial Situation
6. Franciscan Youth: " Joint responsibility and Participation in the SFO Mission"
7. Formation

The Chapter discussed and approved the following reports:

1. Report of the CIOFS Presidency to the 2005 General Chapter
   (presented by General Minister Encarnaciòn del Pozo)
2. Report of the General Spiritual Assistants to the General Chapter of the SFO
   (presented by President of the Conference of Spiritual Assistants, Fr. Ivan Matic)
3. Triennial Financial Report 2002-2004
   (presented by General Treasurer, Carlo Cerù)
4. Demographics Annual Report 2005
   (presented by General Vice-Minister, Rosalvo Mota)

It was recognized that the CIOFS web site is an indispensable tool of communication for the Secular Franciscan Order and appropriate means should be found to support its management.
International councillors confirmed their willingness to assume their roles and responsibilities. However, they also requested clarification of the role and specific guidance in conducting their work.

La Novitas Franciscana Mission and Testimony:

1. The identity of Secular Franciscans is intimately linked to our secularity and to living a secular way of life in the world. This identity, which differentiates us within the Franciscan Family, is also what makes us indispensable to the Franciscan Family. Being aware of this identity must be complemented by making it known to others.
2. The fraternity provides the means by which we can share our gifts and live the Gospel together. Fraternal life is important because, in isolation, we cannot love; in the fraternity, expressing and sharing our gifts can help us to grow and to reach out to others.
3. The documents of Vatican II and the Rule of the SFO confirm and engage us as the people of God and as Secular Franciscans in going from Gospel to life and life to Gospel (Rule, Art. 4). It is not coincidental that Blessed Pope John XXIII, who led the Second Vatican Council, was a Secular Franciscan. These living documents bring us back to our roots and allow us to live our vocation as it was in the beginning, and as it was lived by our founder, St. Francis, more than 800 years ago.
4. Formation is an essential component of being able to fully live our Secular Franciscan vocation and to realize the vision of living in a "community of love". It is what will give us strength and allow us to grow. Formation can also help us understand the structures that are in place to help us live the Gospel vision as Secular Franciscans, including initiatives supporting justice, peace and care of creation.
5. The fundamental quality and heart of a leader within the Franciscan family is his/her disposition to serve and be rooted in love. The leader’s service is directed outwards in helping the brothers and sisters to build a more fraternal and evangelical world, and in keeping the vision alive. "Let us begin, for up to now we have done nothing" (S. Francis).

The General Chapter was informed of five projects in which Secular Franciscans are engaged. Firstly, information was provided on a project in Croatia where Secular Franciscans have undertaken, together with other Croatian associations and other branches of the Franciscan Family, to protest against a Government project dealing with the exportation of oil from Russia across the Adriatic Sea. Secondly, capitulars were informed of the creation of a Secular Franciscan missionary centre in Italy (CEMIOFS) which engages young couples with children to conduct missionary work in foreign lands. Thirdly, information was presented on Saint Hermano Pedro from Guatemala who, throughout his life, provided support to children and persons who were ill. Fourthly, information was presented regarding an initiative on the Island of Maritius which attempts to help people deal with ethnic conflicts in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society. Finally, information was provided on initiatives in Korea that support poor families, abandoned children, and young people who require assistance. All of these initiatives demonstrate the diversity of engagements that are possible for Secular Franciscans and can generate ideas that others can pursue.

The General Chapter approved the sending of a telegram to the Croatian Parliament, with copies to the Press, affirming the work of Secular Franciscans in Croatia in their protest of the Government project dealing with the exportation of oil from Russia through the Adriatic Sea.

It is a real sign of new life to witness the emergence of fraternities in many nations throughout the world. Sustained by the First Order, Third Order Regular and the Secular Franciscan Order, these Fraternities are providing a testimony to the Franciscan charism within their own nations and within the context of their particular cultures. Because of communication challenges, information on some of these emerging fraternities is still not available and, as a result, a complete picture of emerging fraternities is still outstanding.

The General Chapter delegates to the Presidency the establishment of criteria and methods for contributions, considering the economic situations of the national fraternities involved. In turn, the Presidency will entrust the Economic Commission with the study and development of such criteria and methods of contributions. The Presidency will then submit the contribution criteria and methods to all International Councillors for their consideration.

The General Chapter affirmed the International Fraternity’s desire "to share its experience of evangelical life with youth who feel attracted to Saint Francis of Assisi and to seek the means of adequately presenting it to them" (GC, Art. 96.1). Capitulars were reminded of the Secular Franciscan Order’s responsibility for supporting Franciscan Youth, as a focal point within the Franciscan family, and of their responsibility to develop ways in which it will work with Franciscan Youth.
Reaching out to young people begins in the family, the "domestic church" (Documents of Vatican II). Loving experiences within the family will allow children and adolescents to appreciate the fraternity as a community of love. Secular Franciscans and Franciscan Youth could collaborate in the formation of young people wishing to know more about Saint Francis.

National fraternities will be provided with a circular from the Formation Commission regarding the formation course for formators and the national fraternity’s participation in this course.