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13 November 2024
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PEACE | Military Bishops and experts from European Military Ordinariates gather at COMECE to address challenges to peace
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31 October - As part of COMECE's mission of dialogue with the EU institutions, we convened Military Bishops and experts from the Military Ordinariates across EU countries for a two-day meeting to discuss current and emerging challenges to peace in Europe and worldwide. Read the News | Photo Gallery
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SPEECH | EU Bishops' President Mgr. Crociata offers reflection on the European integration
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9 November - The President of COMECE, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, participated in the conference 'L’UE che prende forma: le partite da giocare a Bruxelles e nei territori' which marked the opening of the second year of the School for Social and Political Engagement, 'Custodi del futuro'. This initiative was promoted by the Dioceses of Porto-Santa Rufina and Civitavecchia-Tarquinia, in collaboration with the Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences «AUXILIUM». Our president emphasised that the "shape" of the EU reflects two aspects: the institutional and the ideal. "It has become a vast and complex organism—necessary but fragile", he noted. "A division is evident within the EU, the same division that exists within the countries that compose it". The mistake, he pointed out, was "assuming that a monetary and economic union would naturally lead to a union of ideals". Read his full speech
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SPEECH | EU Bishops' President Mgr. Crociata reflects on Church-Europe relations
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31 October - To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Saint Benedict’s proclamation as Patron of Europe, the Archdiocese of Spoleto-Norcia (Italy) hosted an academic event featuring distinguished speakers, including Dom Donato Ogliari, Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls; Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner; Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy; and Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE).
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In his address, Mgr. Crociata highlighted the dynamic relationship between the Churches and Europe, emphasising that the Churches view contemporary Europe with "sympathy and respect [...] not because everything in it is positive and admirable, [...] but because, as Churches, we feel that this Europe is also the result of what they have been and have become." Read full contribution
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NEWS | "All tools and resources must be used to promote peace", says Mgr. Crociata during a peace conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University
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25 October - COMECE, the Pontifical Gregorian University, and European Future Talks organised the conference 'Is There a Just War?', bringing together EU and Church representatives, academics, and humanitarian relief actors. Participants shared valuable insights on fostering dialogue and promoting peace in a turbulent world.
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Our President, Mgr. Mariano Mariano Crociata, emphasised that "all cultural, spiritual, political, and diplomatic tools and resources must be used to devise initiatives suited to the gravity of the moment and promote peace." The event also featured a message from Antonio Tajani, current Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and former President of the European Parliament. Photo Gallery (by Riccardo Antonetti) | Read Tajani's message | Read Mgr. Crociata's Speech
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PEACE | EP President Metsola received by Pope Francis
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25 October - Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, was received by Pope Francis in a private audience at the end of October. The discussion focused on the following main points: a) Ukraine: EP President reiterated that the EU, as a peace project, is unwavering in its strong support to Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression; b) Migration: President Metsola stressed the need for a European and human-centric approach leaving no country, and no individual in need of protection alone; c) Middle East: she stressed Europe’s effort to de-escalate, as well as the need to find a sustainable way forward in the region to achieve long-term peace; d) Venezuela: the President affirmed that the European Parliament stands with the people of Venezuela in their struggle for democracy.
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Roberta Metsola also stressed that humanity and the quest for peace will always remain at the centre of the European Parliament’s work and praised the Pope’s tireless work and leadership in promoting reconciliation and peace. "Grateful for our extensive talks today as we step up global efforts towards peace, justice, and our shared humanity", said President Metsola at the end of the audience. Read the news | Watch the video
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MESSAGE | Italian MFA sends letter to participants of the COMECE peace conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University
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25 October - "The return of a brutal war of aggression in Europe [...] threatens the core values of the EU project: freedom, democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms", wrote Antonio Tajani, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and former President of the European Parliament, in a letter addressed to participants of the conference 'Is There a Just War?'. The conference was held in Rome and co-organised by COMECE, the Pontifical Gregorian University, and European Future Talks. Read the Letter
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NEWS | Mgr. Crociata delivers homily at the installation Mass of Mgr. Jourdan as Bishop of Tallinn
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2 November - Our President Mgr. Mariano Crociata offered the homily at the Holy Mass held in Tallinn for Mgr. Philippe Jourdan’s installation as Bishop of the new Diocese of Tallinn - formerly the Apostolic Administration of Estonia. Read the Homily [EN] | Read the Message [EN]
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EVENT | Join the Mass for Europe in Brussels on November 27th!
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12 November - As part of the incoming 2024 Autumn COMECE Plenary Assembly, we warmly invite you to join us for the Mass for Europe. This celebration will take place at the Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 18:30 CET. This Mass is open to the public, and all are welcome to join. Download the poster
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SYNOD | COMECE participants in the final sessions of the Synod on Synodality
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26 October - EU Bishops' President Mgr. Mariano Crociata and COMECE General Secretary Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto joined the final sessions of the XVI Ordinary Assembly of the Synod. "We are happy to have participated. We pray that it may bear much fruit, also for the mission of COMECE". Read the final document
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FoRB | COMECE contributes to the conference on cooperation between States and religious communities under the Hungarian EU Presidency
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22 October - COMECE Adviser Alessandro Calcagno contributed to a conference on cooperation between States and religious communities in the EU, held in Budapest under the Hungarian EU Presidency. He shared valuable insights on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), Article 17 TFEU, and the protection of places of worship. Read the News
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PEACE | COMECE adviser contributes to the Church and Peace International Conference
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5 November - Alongside representatives of religious and faith-based organisations, our adviser Marek Misak joined the Church and Peace International Conference held in Brussels. In his contribution, he encouraged the implementation of an EU Peace Strategy that promotes Human Security and Just Peace. Read more
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NEWS | COMECE-FAFCE event at the European Parliament highlights the essential role of families in achieving Integral Human Ecology
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5 November - COMECE and FAFCE recently held an event titled 'Integral Human Ecology - Intergenerational Solidarity' at the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Lukas Mandl. Participants discussed the importance of human-centred EU policies and the essential role of families in achieving a sustainable future for all. COMECE Adviser Johannes Moravitz highlighted the need for creative, integrated solutions to foster a flourishing future for both families and the environment. "One such solution could be promoting family economies and multi-generational family homes, which generate significantly lower emissions. These homes could also address rising societal issues such as loneliness and mental health challenges while helping us rediscover the beauty of family life", he stated.
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The list of speakers: Lukas Mandl (MEP, Austria), Vincenzo Basso (President of FAFCE), Flaminia Vola (Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Holy See), Monica Pisani (Policy Officer at DG CLIMA, European Commission), Attila Beneda (Hungary's Deputy State Secretary for Family Affairs and Ministry of Culture and Innovation), Béla Kuslits (Senior Ecology Officer at JESC), and Regina Maroncelli (President of ELFAC).
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NEWS | CCEE-CEC annual meeting: Fr. Barrios Prieto addresses evangelisation amid polarisation and conflict
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7 November - COMECE General Secretary, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, took part in the annual CCEE-CEC meeting, this year held in Crete, Greece. His contribution addressed the topic 'Evangelisation in the face of Christian disunity, polarisation, and conflict'. Read his Contribution
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WORK | COMECE provides insights on work and AI at European Economic and Social Committee event
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31 October - "Technology must serve the common good", said COMECE adviser Friederike Ladenburger at the UNI Europa Care Dialogue event held at the European Economic and Social Committee. She urged the EU to "deepen discussions on the technocratic paradigm and the use of Artificial Intelligence systems". In the same event, COMECE adviser for Social and Economic Affairs, Alix de Wasseige, stressed that "work dignifies human life". Photo Gallery
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YOUTH | COMECE Youth Net's autumn meeting focuses on migration and asylum
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24 October - The COMECE Youth Net held its online autumn meeting to discuss the challenges and opportunities of migration with Vit Novotny from the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies and José Luis Bazán from the COMECE Secretariat. The exchange focused on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, as well as the challenges of cultural and social integration.
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PEACE | COMECE stresses EU's responsibility to "build peace by promoting integral human development"
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28 October - Our adviser Marek Misak took part in the Justice and Peace Spain's study days on 'Human Rights in a globalised world', held in Mallorca, Spain. He emphasised the EU's responsibility to "build peace by promoting integral human development."
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SAVE THE DATE | CEI organises conference on health inequalities in Europe
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18 September - L'Ufficio Nazionale per la pastorale della salute is organising a conference on health inequalities in Europe. The event will take place in Rome, at the Pontifical Lateran University, on Friday 22nd November 2024, from 14:00 to 19:00 (CET). The list of speakers also includes Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Secretary of State, Holy See), Mgr Mariano Crociata (President of COMECE), and Mario Draghi (former President of the European Central Bank). The programme is still being developed. Further information, including the final list of speakers, will be shared in the coming weeks.
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DOCUMENT | Catholic organisations urge EU to reaffirm foundational commitment to a just peace
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23 October - Justice and Peace Europe, Sant'Egidio EU, and Pax Christi International have published a manifesto urging the EU to reaffirm its foundational commitment to a just peace. "Peace is not merely the absence of war, but a lasting goal rooted in justice, human dignity, and dialogue", reads the manifesto. Read the document
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DOCUMENT | IXE elaborates document on Europe's geopolitical challenges
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29 October - The "Initiative of Christians for Europe" (IXE) elaborated a Statement on current and future Europe’s geopolitical challenges. It includes inputs on defence and human rights for the new EU legislative term. Read the Statement
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INTERVIEW | What is 'polite persecution'?
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23 October - In an interview with CNA Germany, our Adviser José Luis Bazán explained the concept of 'polite persecution' and the challenges it presents for Christians in Western societies. The interview, conducted in German, delves into these issues. Read the Interview https:/ Reas the
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Next at COMECE
13-15 November
COMECE adviser Alessandro Calcagno will participate in the European Conference on Child Safeguarding in the Catholic Church, organised in Rome by the Pontifical Commission for Protection of Minors.
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2024 Autumn Plenary Assembly of COMECE to be held in Brussels.
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A delegation from the Krakow Conference will be visiting the COMECE Secretariat.
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A delegation from the European University of Rome will visit the COMECE Secretariat to present their "HOPE" project. In this context, COMECE will facilitate a series of meetings with representatives of the EU Institutions.
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Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto will celebrate the holy mass (8h30) at the European Parliament, Brussels.
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Mass for Europe to be celebrated at the Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon in Brussels. More info
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Autumn Plenary Assembly of COMECE to be held in Brussels.
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Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto will celebrate the holy mass (8h30) at the European Parliament, Brussels.
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Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences
of the European Union
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Communication & Press Manager
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