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17 October 2025
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STATEMENT | European bishops urge appointment of EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom
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6 October - The bishops of the European Union concluded their Autumn Assembly, held in Brussels from 1 to 3 October 2025, with a letter addressed to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, advocating the reinstatement of an EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union.
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One year into the mandate of the von der Leyen II Commission, COMECE notes that this key figure, considered crucial for advancing the protection and promotion of freedom of religion on the global stage, is still absent.
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For the bishops, such an appointment is essential considering today’s context, marked by rising religious discrimination and persecution faced by individuals, religious minorities, and faith communities – the majority of whom are Christians – in many countries around the world.
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In their letter, the COMECE bishops urge that, in addition to appointing the new Special Envoy, the position should be endowed “without further delay” with a strong mandate and provided with adequate human and financial resources to ensure the effectiveness of the Envoy’s mission.
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AUTUMN ASSEMBLY | EU bishops engage in dialogue with Commissioner Brunner and EP Vice-President Sberna
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3 October - Bishops delegated by the EU Bishops’ Conferences gathered in Brussels for the 2025 Autumn Assembly of COMECE. The event featured dialogue discussions with EU and Church representatives, including Magnus Brunner (EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration), Antonella Sberna (Vice-President of the European Parliament), Klaus Welle (Special Adviser to the EU Commissioner for Defence), and Bishop William Kenny (Santa Marta Group).
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Discussions focused on defence, the protection of democracy, the EU’s international role as a promoter of peace, migration and asylum, combating trafficking in human beings, the implementation of Article 17 TFEU, and the opportunity to appoint a Coordinator on Anti-Christian Hatred in the EU.
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AUTUMN ASSEMBLY | Note from the President of COMECE on the crisis in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan
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2 October - In the context of the autumn plenary assembly of the bishops of the European Union, which took place in Brussels from 1 to 3 October, the COMECE Secretariat published a note from its President, Mgr Mariano Crociata, on the dramatic situation in the Gaza Strip, in Ukraine, Sudan, and in other regions affected by war.
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AUTUMN ASSEMBLY | EU bishops celebrate Mass for Europe in Brussels
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3 October - The Autumn Assembly also featured several moments of prayer. A well-attended Mass for Europe was celebrated at the Église de Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon in Brussels on Wednesday, 1 October. The Mass was presided over by H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, and concelebrated by all the delegate bishops. The homily, delivered by Mgr Crociata, is available here.
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On Thursday, 2 October, a Mass was celebrated by the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, H.E. Mgr Bernardito Cleopas Auza. His homily is available here.
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HUMAN TRAFFICKING | AI and the fight against human trafficking: opportunities and challenges discussed at the European Parliament
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30 September - Together with the Santa Marta Group, COMECE organised the conference “AI & Human Trafficking: Threats, Tools, and Legal Frontiers” at the European Parliament in Brussels, hosted by MEP Javier Zarzalejos (EPP, Spain).
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The conference examined how human trafficking is increasingly driven by technology, with perpetrators exploiting social media algorithms, encrypted messaging platforms, deepfakes, and virtual currencies to recruit, manipulate and profit from victims.
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Participants also discussed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help detect patterns, disrupt trafficking networks, and support victim rescue. However, these innovations bring legal and operational challenges, as EU legislation - strongly protective of citizens’ privacy and identity - sets clear limits on the use of AI by law enforcement authorities.
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INTERVIEW | COMECE President Mgr Crociata: "Europe must regain the ability to nurture peace"
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3 October - Following the work of the COMECE Autumn Assembly, Mgr Mariano Crociata explains to Vatican News the position of the COMECE bishops on some of the key issues currently at the top of the European agenda, with particular attention to the topics of democracy, European unity and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Holy Land. Read the interview
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INTERVIEW | Fr Manuel Barrios Prieto warns of the challenges facing Europe in light of war, migration and new forms of slavery
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3 October - At the conclusion of the COMECE Autumn Assembly, General Secretary Fr Manuel Barrios Prieto warns of the challenges facing Europe in light of war, migration, and new forms of slavery. In an interview with Vatican News, Fr Barrios Prieto explains that the EU bishops are calling for a renewed commitment to peace, human dignity, and the founding values of the European Union. The interview is in Spanish. Read and listen to the interview
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INTERVIEW | Mgr Crociata: "If Europe were united, it would resolve conflicts with credibility"
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6 October - The President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, spoke with Giacomo Galeazzi (La Stampa) about the international role of the European Union as a peacemaker. The interview ranges from the war in Ukraine to the situation in the Holy Land, focusing on what the EU’s international role should be and how it can be achieved. Read the interview
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INTERVIEW | Mgr Crociata on Article 17 TFEU, the Appointment of an EU Special Envoy on FoRB, and the tragedies of Ukraine and Gaza
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15 October - COMECE President Mgr Mariano Crociata was interviewed by TelePace about the recent Autumn Assembly held in Brussels. He explained the content of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and its implementation. The interview was also an opportunity to discuss his solidarity visit to Ukraine earlier this July and to reiterate the EU Bishops’ call to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to appoint a Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Unio. Watch the interview
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INTERVIEW | Mgr Hérouard on the COMECE bishops’ call for the European Commission to appoint a Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief
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11 October - In this interview with Emmanuel Pellat (La Croix), COMECE Vice-President Mgr Antoine Hérouard highlights the importance of the EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and explains why EU Bishops recently urged EC President Ursula von der Leyen to appoint one and ensure adequate resources. Read the article
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ARTICLE | Mgr Wilmer: "The future of the EU will be in peril if it loses its spiritual depth, historical awareness and prophetic voice"
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11 October - Mgr Heiner Wilmer, German bishop delegate to COMECE, wrote an inspiring article for The Tablet, arguing that the EU project needs a new meaning, which must draw on the spiritual depth of religions and their commitment to justice for all. The article is in English. Read the article
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NEWS | The Secretariat of COMECE has a new adviser for Social & Economic Affairs, Ecology, Energy and Agriculture
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13 October - We're delighted to welcome Lenka Mačugová, our new Adviser for Social & Economic Affairs, Ecology, Energy and Agriculture. From Slovakia, she previously served as adviser under the Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and within the COMECE Youth Net as delegate. Welcome aboard! Read more about Lenka
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NEWS | COMECE takes part in the 32nd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium in the United States
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9 October - COMECE Adviser José Luis Bazán participated in the 32nd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium, entitled “Building Paths to Flourishing: Regional, National, and International Protections of Religious Freedom.”
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The event was organised by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University and was held in Provo (Utah) from 3 to 9 October. Adviser Bazán contributed to the discussions by focusing on EU policies and instruments concerning freedom of religion or belief outside the EU, including the EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief, the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences.
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A debate followed among participants on the relevance and impact of EU policies in the protection and promotion of religious freedom worldwide.
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NEWS | COMECE at the International Catholic Jurists Forum Conference in Washington, D.C.
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27 September - COMECE Adviser José Luis Bazán participated in the conference “Truth, Freedom of Speech, and Modern-day Censorship”, held in Washington, D.C., from 25 to 27 September 2025. The conference was organised by the International Catholic Jurists Forum and co-sponsored as Subsidium-ICJF with Ralston College, The Ruth Institute, Ave Maria School of Law, and the Center for Family and Human Rights (C-Fam). The event brought together experts on international religious freedom from both the US and the EU.
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VIDEO | COMECE contributes to the XXV Conference on the Christians' role in the EU integration. Focus on AI and hope
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28 September - The Full video of the XXV Conference on the Christians' role in the EU integration is now online, with a contribution of adviser Ladenburger on AI and democracy. "Need for EU awareness & ethical regulation to face risks/support innovation". The event also featured the contribution of Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE. Video of the conference | Fr. Barrios Prieto's speech
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YOUTH | Two new interns join the COMECE Secretariat team
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30 September - We’re happy to introduce Iga Malinowska (Poland/Scotland) and Barnabás Cseh (Hungary), our two new interns who will support us over the next few months in the fields of migration and asylum EU policies, as well as external action. Welcome aboard! Read more about them
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VIDEO | COMECE Vice-President Mgr Nuno Brás offers reflection on migrants and refugees world day
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5 October - In the context of the 2025 World Day of Migrants and Refugees and the Jubilee of Migrants, H.E. Mgr Nuno Brás da Silva Martins, Vice-President of COMECE, offered a reflection on the theme “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope.” The message was featured in a video campaign launched by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Watch the video
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SPEECH | Mgr Crociata addresses CCEE Assembly, outlining recent COMECE initiatives and challenges in Europe
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10 October - The President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, participated in the Plenary Assembly of the Council of the European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE), held in Fatima, Portugal, from 7 to 10 October. His report, outlining recent COMECE initiatives and current challenges in Europe, is now available. Read the speech
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NEWS | COMECE Adviser Marek Misak elected General Secretary of Justice and Peace Europe
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5 October - COMECE Adviser on EU External Relations, Marek Misak, has been elected General Secretary of Justice and Peace Europe during the organisation’s Assembly held in Vilnius. He will succeed Stefan Lunte as General Secretary in January 2026. Marek will continue to serve as Adviser on EU External Relations at COMECE while taking on his new role at JPE.
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DECLARATION | Justice and Peace Europa calls on EU decision-makers to develop a coherent European Peace Strategy
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6 October - Gathered in Vilnius (Lithuania) for the 2025 General ssembly of Justice and Peace Europe, the delegates from the European Justice and Peace Commissions issued the final declaration "Hope for peace in Europe". The document calls on the EU decision-makers to develop a coherent European Peace Strategy, combining adequate defence with strong diplomatic, humanitarian and development instruments. Read the declaration
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NEWS | Fr. Barrios Prieto addresses Caritas Europe Executive Leadership Programme on strategic alliances and networking
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17 October - Our General Secretary Fr. Manuel E. Barrios Prieto joined the 3rd module of Caritas Europa Executive Leadership Programme in Brussels, sharing insights on strategic alliances, partnerships and networking in the light of COMECE’s work. The programme is aimed at strengthening leadership capacity across the Caritas network to create strong, ethical, supportive leaders.
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SPEECH | Mgr Hérouard offers insightful reflection on the Christian roots of Europe and why the Church is involved in EU integration
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27 September - COMECE First Vice-President, Mgr Antoine Hérouard, participated in a seminar on the Christian roots of Europe, held Noto, Sicily. In his interventions, Mgr Hérouard offers a insightful reflection on why is the Church involved in European integration. Read the speech
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LETTER | ELSiA calls for renewed EU climate leadership ahead of COP30
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7 October - The European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) sent an open letter to European Union leaders urging bold and compassionate EU leadership at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
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The letter, titled “A Faith-Based Appeal for Justice and Action: EU Climate Leadership at COP30,” reaffirms the shared vocation of ELSiA members to care for creation and promote global climate justice in line with the spirit of Laudato Si’. It calls on the European Union to strengthen its climate ambition by accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuels, submitting an ambitious new NDC ahead of COP30, and ensuring a just transition that prioritises workers, marginalised communities, and Indigenous peoples.
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ELSiA also urges the EU to enhance support for climate adaptation, loss and damage, and debt relief for vulnerable countries, emphasising the moral responsibility of industrialised nations to act with justice and solidarity. The letter concludes with a call for the EU to bring courage, compassion, and leadership to COP30 — transforming this moment into a turning point for care for our common home and the most vulnerable. Read the full letter
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OPPORTUNITY | Angelicum offers six scholarships on Catholic Social Teaching
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15 September - Are you a European student aged 22–40 seeking to deepen your knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching? The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) offers 6 scholarships from mid-Feb to mid-Jun 2026 at its Faculty of Social Sciences. Deadline: 31 Oct 2025. Apply: https://angelicum.it/cst-tx-2026/
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STATEMENT | A step to overcome the European throwaway culture
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16 October - With the revised European Waste Directive entering into force, the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) released a statement welcoming the revision of this EU initiative, considered important for its development and implications for sustainability and social responsibility across Europe. Read the Statement
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ELSiA | Three days in Castel Gandolfo with CCEE: Living Laudato Si’ through conversion and commitment
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21 September - From 19 to 21 September a delegation composed of bishops, priests, sisters, and representatives of several Catholic organisations met in Castel Gandolfo convened by the CCEE Section for the Safeguarding of Creation. The theme of the gathering — “Laudato Si’: Conversion and Commitment” — guided our prayers, reflections, and conversations throughout the three days. Read the News
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