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9 June 2026
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đȘđșđ»đŠ PAPAL AUDIENCE | Pope Leo XIV receives the Presidency of COMECE in audience
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26 May - Pope Leo XIV received the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishopsâ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) in private audience on Thursday, 21 May 2026. The meeting was marked by a profound exchange on the current situation and role of the European Union, regarded as a key actor in promoting dialogue and peace and as a force supporting multilateralism.
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The bishops highlighted the Holy Fatherâs strong interest in EU affairs and his support for the EUâs role in promoting dialogue, peace and multilateralism. The Holy Father also emphasised the importance of contributing to political life without allowing the Church to be labelled or drawn into partisan dynamics and instrumentalisation. The discussion further touched on growing polarisation and populism in Europe, linked to weakening social cohesion and increasing distance between citizens and political institutions.
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The COMECE delegation also presented to the Holy Father the proposal to organise a new edition of âRethinking Europeâ in the autumn of 2027. Press Release | Photo Gallery
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NEWS | COMECE 2025 Annual Report now available online
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26 May - Following the presentation of our 2025 Annual Report to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the digital edition is now available on our website.
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The report highlights COMECEâs advocacy work throughout the past year and features an introduction by the President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, as well as two interviews conducted by COMECE Press Officer Alessandro Di Maio with Mgr Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, and Stefan Lunte, who served as Adviser to COMECE for 30 years.
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The Annual Report 2025 was first presented to the COMECE Bishopsâ Delegates during the COMECE Spring Assembly held in Cyprus in April 2025. A copy of the publication was subsequently presented to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during the audience granted to the COMECE Presidency in May 2025. The meeting provided an opportunity to share with the Holy Father an overview of the Commissionâs activities and engagement with the European Union over the preceding year.
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The cover of the Annual Report 2025 is dedicated to the people of Ukraine, who continue to endure the suffering caused by Russiaâs ongoing war of aggression against their country. The photograph featured on the cover was taken in a cemetery in Lviv during a COMECE solidarity visit to Ukraine led by its President, Mgr Mariano Crociata, and serves as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the importance of continued solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Read the News | Read and Download the Annual Report
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DOCUMENT | COMECE Reflection Paper addresses mental health challenges in Europe
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7 May - COMECE published the Reflection Paper entitled âMental Health in Europe â A Call for Careâ. The document offers an ethical and human-centred contribution to the growing European public and political debate on mental health, calling for policies rooted in human dignity, solidarity and integral care.
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The COMECE document was released in the context of the 2026 European Mental Health Week, coordinated by Mental Health Europe and highlighting community, resilience, and inclusive policies, aiming to move conversations from crisis response toward prevention and collective action.
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At a time when Europe is facing a complex and interconnected set of mental health challenges, the COMECE Reflection Paper highlights the need for a holistic approach that places the human person at the centre.
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Elaborated by the COMECE Commission on Ethics, led by H.E. Mgr Anton Jamnik, the Reflection Paper aims to provide EU policymakers, healthcare professionals and civil society actors with ethical reflections and practical orientations capable of supporting mental well-being across Europe. Read the Press release | Download the Reflection Paper
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SPEECH | COMECE President Mgr Crociata: "European unity is the strongest safeguard of national sovereignty and a condition for peace"
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29 May - Can Europe remain a force for peace in an age of war, geopolitical rivalry and growing nationalism? At the International Conference on âPeacebuilding in Europeâ organised at the Vatican by the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, the President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, argued in his keynote speech that European unity is the strongest safeguard of national sovereignty and a condition for peace. Read the keynote speech
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NEWS | COMECE Presidency discussing culture and education with Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça,
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26 May - During institutional visit of the COMECE Presidency to the Holy See, the bishops were received by Card. Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture & Education. Together, they reflected on cultural dialogue, person-centred approach in the digital world, education for peace, the EU AI Act and the protection of minors. The meeting was productive and built upon the excellent cooperation that has been established with this Dicastery over several years.
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CONTRIBUTION | COMECE contributes to EU public consultation on the revision of the Audiovisual media services directive
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4 June - The Secretariat of COMECE has submitted its contribution to the European Commissionâs consultation on the revision of the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Published on Thursday, 4 June 2026, the document places particular emphasis on the protection of children in the digital environment, especially against exposure to violence and pornography. Read the News | Read the Contribution
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NEWS | COMECE joins Sant'Egidio in advocating for Humanitarian Corridors
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26 May - The members of the COMECE Standing Committee were warmly received by the Community of SantâEgidio in Rome for an exchange of views on peace and migration, two issues that are of particular importance on both the Churchâs and the European Unionâs agendas in the current geopolitical context.
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The discussion also highlighted the valuable contribution of Humanitarian Corridors as a safe, orderly and dignified pathway for vulnerable persons in need of international protection. COMECE joins the Community of SantâEgidio in supporting the further development and implementation of this initiative, which has demonstrated its effectiveness in combining humanitarian responsibility, integration and solidarity.
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SPEECH | Mgr Crociata highlights the role of religions in promoting peace
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15 May - At a time of growing polarisation and the instrumentalisation of religion, COMECE President Mgr Mariano Crociata highlights the essential role of religions in promoting peace. His contribution to a recent event organised by the Unione Giuristi Cattolici Italiani and held at the UniversitĂ Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, in Brescia (Italy). Read the text [IT]
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NEWS | Pope Leo highlights the advocacy work of COMECE and FAFCE. COMECE President Mgr Crociata celebrates mass at St. Peter's Basilica for the EP Intergroup on Demography
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25 Mayo - The European Parliament Demography Intergroup was received by the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, who highlighted the advocacy work of COMECE and FAFCE. A Mass at St Peterâs Basilica was celebrated by Mgr Mariano Crociata. Read the Speech | Homily
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NEWS | COMECE contributes to OSCE event on anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe
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1 June - COMECE participated in the regional workshop on âResponding to anti-Christian hate crimes and addressing the security needs of Christian communitiesâ, organised in Rome (Italy) by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 26-27 May 2026. The event brought together experts from multiple sectors, including actors committed to effective data collection in this field. Read COMECE contribution | Photo gallery
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OPINION | COMECE First Vice-President Mgr HĂ©rouard on EU Migration Policy
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8 June - On 12 June, the laws of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum will become fully applicable in the Member States. In this context, we invite you to read the opinion piece by our First VP Mgr HĂ©rouard, on migration in the European Union, published in the French daily newspaper La Croix. Read the opinion article
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NEWS | COMECE Migration Commission holds dialogue sessions with the European Commission and Frontex
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19 May - Mgr Jozef Hal'ko presided over the spring meeting of the COMECE Commission on Migration and Asylum, which was held online. The meeting featured a number of exchanges with representatives of the European Commission and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). Discussions focused on EU return policy, fundamental rights in Frontex operations, and the external dimension of the Agencyâs activities.
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DOCUMENT | German Bishops' Conference: "Europe, Show Your Self-Confidence!"
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12 May - We invite you to read "Europe, Show Your Self-Confidence!", a commentary recently published by the German Bishops' Conference on the European Union's self-understanding and role in a rapidly changing world.
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Prepared by the DBK Working Group on Europe, the document offers a thoughtful contribution to the ongoing debate on Europe's place and responsibilities in the current geopolitical context. It provides valuable reflections on a range of key issues shaping the continent's present and future, including European integration, democracy, peace, security, solidarity and the EU's engagement on the global stage. Against the backdrop of profound political, economic and societal transformations, the commentary encourages a renewed confidence in the European project and in the values that continue to underpin cooperation among European nations. The document is available in English, German and French. Read the document: EN - DE - FR
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đ OPPORTUNITY | Five full grant scholarships (500âŹ) are still available for the European Summer School (29 June-3 July)
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28 May - 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. Five full support grant scholarships (500âŹ) are still available! Read the News | Info & Application | Brochure
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NEWS | Over 100 Christian organisations call on Europe to lead with courage on climate and energy transition
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20 May - During Laudato Siâ Week and at a time of profound global uncertainty and conflict that underscore the growing risks of dependence on fossil fuels, the Commission of the Bishopsâ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomes the Laudato Siâ Movement initiative âEurope, be faithful to our Common Homeâ, an urgent appeal to the institutions of the European Union promoted by over 100 Christian organisations from 20 EU Member States. Read the News | Read the Appeal
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NEWS | COMECE congratulates Cardinal Pietro Parolin on receiving the European Order of Merit. âTogether, let us be artisans of peaceâ
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18 April - COMECE warmly congratulated Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, on receiving the European Order of Merit during a ceremony held on 19 May, in the framework of the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Parolin: âTogether, let us be artisans of peace.â Read the News | Photo Gallery | Video of Card. Parolinâs speech
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NEWS | General Secretaries of EU Episcopates gather in Brussels and meet with EP Vice-President Sberna
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12 May - The General Secretaries of the Bishopsâ Conferences of the European Union gathered in Brussels for their annual meeting organised by COMECE to discuss current issues concerning the Church and the European Union. The programme included a meeting at the European Parliament with Vice-President Antonella Sberna, responsible for the implementation of the Article 17 dialogue, as well as a reception by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Read the News | Photo Gallery
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NEWS | Europe Day: COMECE president urges EU to rediscover its founding spirit
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9 May - On the occasion of Europe Day (9 May), the president of the Commission of the Bishopsâ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), Mgr Mariano Crociata, called for a renewed commitment to the founding values of the European project as a space of peace, solidarity and human dignity. Read the News | Download the text [EN â IT]
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NEWS | Delegation of Italian Salesian networks visits COMECE. Focus: education, social inclusion and vocational training
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5 May - The Secretariat of COMECE welcomed a delegation of Italian Salesian networks active in the fields of education, social inclusion, international cooperation and vocational training.
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The exchange provided a valuable opportunity to learn more about their youth programmes, tailored particularly for those in vulnerable situations. Such meetings are especially important for COMECE, as they offer first-hand insights from organisations working directly with local communities and beneficiaries across Europe. These grassroots perspectives help us to better understand emerging challenges and needs on the ground, while strengthening our advocacy and dialogue with the European institutions in support of policies that effectively serve young people and promote social inclusion.
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