|
5 May 2026
|
🇪🇺🇨🇾 COMECE ASSEMBLY IN CYPRUS | COMECE bishops issue declaration calling for peace, dialogue and renewed EU engagement
|
|
|
28 April - On the occasion of the Spring Plenary Assembly of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), held in Nicosia from 22 to 24 April 2026 in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the delegated bishops adopted a declaration addressing the worrying crises shaping the international landscape, with particular attention to the wars and instability affecting the Middle East and other regions of the world. In the text, the bishops convey a strong appeal for peace echoing the words of Pope Leo XIV: “Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!”. Read the Press Release | Download the Declaration on Peace [EN – IT – DE – ES – NL – FR – SK – PT] | Photo Gallery
|
|
|
|
🇪🇺🇨🇾 COMECE ASSEMBLY IN CYPRUS | COMECE in dialogue with the Cypriot EU Council Presidency
|
|
|
28 March - The Spring Assembly of COMECE took place in Nicosia in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which began in January 2026. In line with Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), COMECE engages with each rotating EU Presidency, at different levels, offering its expertise and contributing to the policy priorities and initiatives of the Presidency.
|
|
On this occasion, the bishops of the EU had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, Cypriot Deputy Minister of Culture. The constructive exchange with the Deputy Minister focused on the key challenges facing Cyprus, particularly the continued division of the island, as well as the access to Christian places of worship, education and culture and the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
|
|
|
|
🇪🇺🇨🇾 COMECE ASSEMBLY IN CYPRUS | Bishops exchange with EU Commissioner Šuica on the Mediterranean "as a space for encounter and dialogue"
|
|
|
28 April - The decision to hold the Assembly in Cyprus also reflects the need felt by COMECE to underline the strategic importance of the Mediterranean region for the Union. The bishops recalled that the Mediterranean is one of the defining dimensions of Europe’s identity, emphasising that it should receive increasing attention from the EU and be shaped not by mistrust and confrontation, but by policies that promote encounter, dialogue, reconciliation, development and peace.
|
|
These themes were discussed with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Ĺ uica. The Commissioner outlined the elements of greatest relevance for the Church within the recent EU Pact for the Mediterranean, whose first action plan was presented earlier this month and includes 21 initiatives focused on youth, investment and migration management.
|
|
Commissioner Šuica also expressed appreciation for recent initiatives concerning the Mediterranean undertaken by the Italian and French Bishops’ Conferences, noting that they support a vision of the Mediterranean as a place of encounter.
|
|
The Commissioner also devoted particular attention to the demographic question, especially the phenomenon of demographic winter affecting many EU Member States. This is an issue of strong concern for COMECE and remains one of the key areas in which it carries out its advocacy work with the EU institutions. Read the Press Release| Photo Gallery
|
|
|
|
🇪🇺🇨🇾 COMECE ASSEMBLY IN CYPRUS | Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pizzaballa joins Assembly to discuss the situation in the Holy Land and Christians in the Middle East
|
|
|
28 April - The bishops of the European Union devoted significant attention to the ongoing deterioration of the international and multilateral context, with particular regard to the wars that in recent times have affected the Holy Land, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa.
|
|
Joining via video conference from Jerusalem, H.Em. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, shared his witness of the life of Christians in the Holy Land, highlighting in particular their difficulties and resilience in the aftermath of 7 October 2023.
|
|
He described the daily challenges and violence experienced by local communities as a result of a multifaceted conflict involving numerous internal and international actors. In this context, Cardinal Pizzaballa encouraged the European bishops to promote interreligious dialogue in Europe, expressing the conviction that such efforts can have a positive impact also in the Holy Land and across the Middle East.
|
|
In this context, the role of the European Union as an actor for peace was further explored by the bishops in dialogue with Dr Christian Gsodam, Advisor for Strategic Communication and Foresight at the European External Action Service (EEAS). He framed the weakening of multilateralism within a broader reconfiguration of global balances and outlined both the great strengths but also the limitations of the EU’s role in several ongoing international crises, recalling the Union’s founding values and the need for all to be more engaged, including the Church as a relevant international actor and an important voice in the actual context. Read the Press Release | Photo Gallery
|
|
|
|
🇪🇺🇨🇾 COMECE ASSEMBLY IN CYPRUS | The Cypriot question: EU bishops express concrete solidarity to the Christian community in the northern part of the island
|
|
|
28 April - The stay in Nicosia offered an important opportunity for the COMECE bishops to gain a deeper understanding of the situation in Cyprus. Following the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island in 1974, Cyprus remains divided by a physical barrier, with significant political, social, cultural and religious consequences.
|
|
The Cypriot question is currently characterised by a status quo which, while fortunately not marked by violence, risks becoming entrenched and therefore neglected by the EU and the international community. In this regard, COMECE stresses that the issue should be placed high on the political agenda of the European Union, as the Union’s credibility as a promoter of dialogue and peace also depends on its ability to contribute to the resolution of such local conflicts affecting its territory.
|
|
The bishops were received by His Beatitude Georgios III, Archbishop of Nova Justiniana and All Cyprus. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for ecumenical dialogue among Greek Orthodox, Maronite and Latin Catholic communities.
|
|
In-depth discussions were held on the division of the island and the challenges faced by Christian communities living in the northern part. In this sense, particularly meaningful were the visits to the Maronite Christian villages of Karpasha and Kormakitis. There, the bishops were able to witness the struggles faced by these small communities, including the occupation of homes, the climate of suspicion and especially the restrictions on access to and use of certain churches.
|
|
Through their presence in these villages, the EU bishops wished to provide a concrete sign of solidarity with the local Christian communities. Under the inpulse of such experience, the bishops of the EU will advocate, in dialogue with the European institutions, for the rights of these Christian communities in the island and the preservation of their properties, heritage and presence. Read the Press Release | Photo Gallery
|
|
|
|
🇪🇺🇨🇾 COMECE ASSEMBLY IN CYPRUS | COMECE President Mgr Mariano Crociata addresses Assembly on key issues for Europe and the Church
|
|
|
28 April - Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, opened the Assembly presenting his report to the Assembly. He called on the European Union and the Church to place human dignity at the centre of political action in a time marked by war, global instability and migration pressures. He also stressed that Europe’s credibility will depend on its capacity to respond with solidarity, justice and responsibility, particularly towards migrants and vulnerable populations. The address highlighted the need for a more coherent and value-based European approach to global challenges, urging renewed commitment to peace, social cohesion and the protection of fundamental rights. Read the Press Release | Read Mgr Crociata's speech | Photo Gallery
|
|
|
|
🇪🇺🇨🇾 COMECE ASSEMBLY IN CYPRUS | The key role of Mgr
Selim Sfeir, Archbishop of the Maronites in Cyprus
|
|
|
28 April - The bishops of COMECE met and engaged in dialogue with representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church, the Latin Catholic and the Maronite community, to whom we extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude for their availability, hospitality and the fruitful discussions held.
|
|
In particular, the COMECE Assembly in Nicosia was made possible thanks to the invitation, hospitality and support offered by the Maronite community, especially by Archbishop Selim Jean Sfeir, the Cypriot delegate bishop to the COMECE Assembly. Archbishop Sfeir welcomed the delegated bishops of the other European episcopal conferences with a formal address, available here. He also delivered the homily for the Feast of St George celebrated in Kormakitis, Cyprus. The welcoming address is available here: [EN – IT] | The homily is available here: [EN, GR, IT, AR, FR] | Read the Press Release | Photo Gallery
|
|
|
|
NEWS | Pope Leo XIV meets EPP MEPs, highlights Europe’s Christian heritage
|
|
|
25 April - A large delegation of MEPs from the European People’s Party (EPP) were received in audience by Pope Leo XIV. On that occasion, the Pontiff encouraged them to draw inspiration from Europe’s Christian heritage, recalling that the European project was built not only to prevent war but also to promote unity, cooperation and shared values. He stressed that politics should offer an ideal vision oriented towards the common good, while warning against ideologies that distort reality and undermine human dignity.
|
|
He emphasised that political action must place the human person at the centre, fostering genuine engagement with citizens and avoiding both populism and elitism.
|
|
For those inspired by Christian values, he highlighted key priorities, including promoting dignified work, supporting family life, addressing migration with responsibility and compassion, and tackling major challenges such as environmental protection and artificial intelligence without ideological approaches. He also underlined the importance of freedom rooted in truth, including religious freedom and freedom of conscience. Click here to read the address of the Holy Father
|
|
|
|
NEWS | Mgr Crociata celebrates Holy Mass at St Peter’s Basilica for EPP MEPs
|
|
|
25 April - On the occasion of the audience of a large group of MEPs from the European People’s Party (EPP) with Pope Leo XIV, the President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, celebrated Holy Mass for the delegation at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. He also delivered the homily, which is available here.
|
|
|
|
OPPORTUNITY | European Summer School 2026: Applications now open
|
|
|
15 April - The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), in collaboration with the University Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) and the Institute for the Global Common Good (IBCG), will organise the third edition of the European Summer School from 29 June to 3 July 2026 at the historic monastery Oude Abdij Drongen, located just outside Ghent, Belgium. Read the Press Release | Info & Application
|
|
|
|
NEWS | COMECE held webinar on "New European Bauhaus Lab – Renovation, transformation and renewal of church buildings and religious heritage in the EU"
|
|
|
16 April - The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), together with the University of Linz and Future for Religious Heritage, held the webinar “New European Bauhaus Lab: Renovation, transformation and renewal of church buildings and religious heritage in the EU” on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
|
|
The event followed the launch of the NEB Lab project titled “Renovation, transformation and renewal of church buildings and religious heritage in the EU”, presented in 2025 during an online pitching session and subsequently approved by the European Commission.
|
|
The project aims to implement a multidisciplinary and participatory approach to preserving and repurposing religious buildings, taking into account their material and immaterial values, such as respect for heritage, individual and collective memory, spiritual practices and cultural functions.
|
|
The webinar was an opportunity to engage organisations and individuals interested in the renovation, transformation and renewal of church buildings and religious heritage sites in the European Union. It also provided a platform to gather practical examples and good practices in view of fostering a high-level dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders across Europe.
|
|
|
|
NEWS | Mgr Crociata: "Christianity can still help rebuild Europe’s hope, cohesion and renewal"
|
|
|
18 April - The President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, participated in the conference “Curare la tristezza d’Europa: dall’oblio di sé alla speranza paziente”, held in San Cataldo (Sicily) on 18 April 2026. The conference was organised in memory of Archbishop Cataldo Naro and featured the participation of prominent Italian political figures such as Bruno Tabacci, Marco Follini and Luca Orlando.
|
|
In his extensive address, Mgr Crociata pointed to a certain “sadness of Europe”, linked to weakened cultural and spiritual roots, warning of the risk of a society losing a deep sense of its identity and memory. He also stressed that Christianity can still offer a decisive contribution by helping to rebuild meaning, hope and social cohesion through a vision centred on the human person and open to transcendence. Read his speech
|
|
|
|
NEWS | Mgr Crociata responds to Trump’s remarks on Pope Leo XIV
|
|
|
13 April - Asked by LaPresse about the verbal attack by the President of the United States against the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, responded as follows: “I express my full solidarity with the Holy Father at this time. Faced with unacceptable and vulgar words and judgements, I wish to reaffirm that his voice in favour of peace, dialogue and the dignity of every person is not a sign of weakness, but an authentic witness to the Gospel. In a time marked by tensions and conflicts, the Pope’s call to non-violence and moral responsibility represents an essential point of reference for the international community. As the Church in Europe, we renew our support for Pope Leo XIV and for his tireless commitment to peace and justice.”
|
|
|
|
EVENT | Saxony EU Representation organises conference "How resilient is Europe? What Churches, the judiciary and strong regions can contribute"
|
|
|
5 May - The Representation of the Free State of Saxony to the European Union organises the conference "How resilient is Europe? What Churches, the judiciary and strong regions can contribute" to be held in Brussels on Wednesday 6 May 2026 from 18h00. The event will explore what can make Europe resilient, starting with a systematic examination of current external and internal threats and tendencies towards disintegration, as well as the associated attacks on commitment and solidarity, the study aims to examine the key factors underpinning the current and future resilience of the European community of states. In particular, the contributions of the judiciary, regional development and religion to strengthening Europe as a community of values will be analysed and critically discussed. What effects could be achieved by creating the right legal conditions, promoting the diversity and autonomy of rural areas and regions, and through targeted action by the Christian churches? More info & Participation
|
|
|
|
|
|
EU ADVOCACY IN ACTION
The COMECE Secretariat, in close coordination with the Bishops’ Conferences legal and data protection experts, has started its preparation in view of the next steps concerning the EU Court case on erasure from baptism records.
|
|
Audiovisual Media Services Directive
|
Our Secretariat has just finalised its contribution to the European Commission consultation on the review of EU rules on audiovisual media services, focusing inter alia on protection of minors, religious programmes and services, incitement to violence and hatred, cultural diversity and the fight against disinformation. More in the next COMECE Newsletter.
|
|
EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy
|
The COMECE Secretariat is actively taking part with other stakeholders, including EU institutions, Member States, civil society actors, as well as international organisations, in the on-going consultations in view of the next EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy due to be implemented from 2028 onwards. Since its introduction in 2012, the Action Plan has become a major, Council-endorsed instrument strengthening coherence across EU institutions, Delegations, Member States, and partnerships with civil society and multilateral actors.
|
One Europe, One Market
COMECE is following the “One Europe, One Market” agenda, launched by EU leaders in March 2026 to deepen the Single Market, simplify rules, support competitiveness and mobilise investment. Particular attention is being given to the proposed 28th regime for company law, “EU Inc.”, an optional EU corporate framework intended to make it easier for companies to start, operate and scale across the EU. While simplification and competitiveness are important objectives, this initiative also raises social questions regarding workers’ rights, employee participation, taxation, accountability and the protection of Europe’s social market economy. COMECE will continue to assess the file in light of Catholic Social Teaching, making sure to take into account both trade union and business perspectives, with attention to the balance between economic dynamism, decent work, social justice and the common good.
|
Mental Health
In the coming days, the COMECE Secretariat will release a reflection paper on mental health prepared by its Commission on Ethics.
|
|
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
5-6 May
Spring meeting of the COMECE Commission on Ethics. The event is to be held online and it will be presided by Mgr Anton Jamnik.
|
Coordination meeting on the teaching of Religion in European Schools
|
5-7 May
COMECE General Secretary will participate in the Caritas Europa Regional Conference, to be held in Zagreb (Croatia).
|
5-7 May
COMECE Press officer Alessandro Di Maio will participate in the CCEE annual meeting of press officers and spokespersons of the European Bishops' Conferences.
|
8 May
A group from the Archdiocese of Freiburg (Germany) will visit the Secretariat of COMECE to learn more about its mission of dialogue with the EU institutions.
|
12 May
COMECE annual meeting of the General Secretaries of the EU Bishops’ Conferences to take place in Brussels. The importance of this meeting has steadily increased, as it has proven to be an effective tool for strengthening coordination between COMECE and its member Bishops’ Conferences in advocating towards the EU institutions.
|
13 May
Spring meeting of the COMECE Commission on Migration and Asylum. The event will be held online and it will be presided by Mgr Jozef HaÄľko. Focus: the proposed EU return policies.
|
13-17 May
COMECE will participate in the 104th Convention of German Catholics, to be held in WĂĽrzburg (Germany).
|
20 May
Meeting of the Steering committee of the European Sunday Alliance (ESA).
|
20-22 May
The Presidency of COMECE will be in Rome. An audience with Pope Leo XIV is expected to take place on the 21st. More info in the next days.
|
26-27 May
COMECE Adviser Alessandro Calcagno will address the participants of the OSCE/ODIHR Regional workshop on responding to anti-Christian hate crimes and addressing the security needs of Christian communities.
|
2 June
Meeting of the Executive Committee of Justice and Peace Europe.
|
3-5 June
Meeting of the Youth Net to take place in Brussels.
|
3 June
Coordination meeting with Religious Authorities on religious education at European Schools.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences
of the European Union
|
|
|
|
|
|
