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16 December 2025
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STATEMENT | COMECE calls on MEPs to exercise responsibility ahead of vote on “My Voice, My Choice”
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16 December - Ahead of the vote scheduled for tomorrow in the European Parliament on the European Citizens’ Initiative “My Voice, My Choice”, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) published a statement expressing serious concerns regarding the overall objective of this initiative. COMECE: “In the debate on abortion, what is needed is not further ideological division, but rather prudent policies that genuinely protect and support women, while also safeguarding unborn human life. We call on Members of the European Parliament to exercise responsibility when voting”. Read the Press Release | Download the Statement [EN]
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CYPRIOT EU PRESIDENCY 2026 | CROCEU and COMECE delegation engages with Cypriot authorities ahead of the 2026 EU Presidency
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10 December - On Tuesday 9 December 2025, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, travelled to Cyprus where he joined the President of CROCEU, H.E. Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, in view of the forthcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will begin on 1 January 2026. Read the News | Photo Gallery
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STATEMENT | COMECE expresses concern on implications of CJEU judgment on marriage
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9 December - The Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has examined the recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the case Wojewoda Mazowiecki (C-713/23). In a statement, the Presidency of COMECE recalls the Church’s “anthropological view, based on natural law, of marriage as a union between a man and a woman” and highlights that the Court decision appears to push jurisprudence beyond EU competences. Read the Press Release | Download the Statement: EN | IT | DE | FR | ES | SK | HU
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DANISH EU PRESIDENCY 2025 | European Churches meet with Danish government
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25 November - A delegation from the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) met with Morten Dahlin, Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs, in Copenhagen on Monday, 24 November 2025, in the context of Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
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During the meeting, the ecumenical delegation presented the central concerns of European Churches regarding the priorities and activities of the EU Presidency. Topics discussed included the war in Ukraine; the need to ensure humane migration and asylum policies rooted in respect for human dignity; the advancement of a credible and citizen-centred EU enlargement process; the strengthening of democracy and social cohesion within the EU.
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EVENT | COMECE President Mgr Mariano Crociata emphasises the need for promoting Christian unity
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3 December - On the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, the President of COMECE Mgr Mariano Crociata delivered a lectio magistralis as part of the ‘La Consolata in dialogo con Torino’ debates organised by La Voce e Il Tempo. He emphasised the need for promoting Christian unity. Read more
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NEWS | Former COMECE General Secretary launches book on the role of bishops
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3 December - Thank you to all who joined the presentation of the book "The Prophetic Charism of the Catholic Bishop" by Mgr Patrick H. Daly, former COMECE General Secretary. It was wonderful to have a full house, with so many eager to explore the role of the bishop. Photo Gallery
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NEWS | COMECE Commission on Culture and Education focuses on 'Culture Compass for Europe' and digitalisation
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11 December - Mgr Stepnowski (Poland) presided over the autumn meeting of the COMECE Commission on Culture and Education, gathering experts from EU Bishops' Conferences. Discussions focused on the Culture Compass for Europe and the need for a renewed educational approach in the age of digitalisation.
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NEWS | COMECE Commission on EU External Affairs discusses peace in Ukraine and Holy Land and EU-Africa relations
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5 December - Chaired by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly (Ireland), experts of our Commission on EU External Relations gathered online to exchange with EU and Church representatives on a just peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land, as well as on EU-Africa and transatlantic relations.
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NEWS | COMECE Social Affairs Commission focuses on the MFF proposal for 2028-2034
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27 November - Mgr Galea-Curmi (Malta) presided over the recent autumn meeting of the COMECE Social Affairs Commission, held online. Experts appointed by EU Bishops' Conferences discussed the MFF 2028–2034 proposal and its social implications. The meeting of the Commission also featured the contribution by Luca Jahier and Jan Olbrycht.
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SPEECH | COMECE President calls for a human-centred and value-based European cohesion
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20 November - The President of COMECE, Mgr. Mariano Crociata, participated in a panel debate organised by the Istituto nazionale per l’analisi delle politiche pubbliche (Inapp) in Rome. In his address, the President of COMECE stresses that European cohesion cannot be reduced to a purely economic or institutional dimension, but must be grounded in the centrality of the human person, social justice and participation. He also highlights the principle of subsidiarity as an essential element for strengthening the link between citizens, communities and European institutions. Finally, he underlines the importance of a shared cultural and ethical foundation, to which the Christian tradition can offer a meaningful contribution, in order to ensure genuine and lasting cohesion within the European Union. Read the Speech [IT]
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OPPORTUNITY | University of Vienna offers English-language Master's degree programme in "Religion in Europe"
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3 December | The University of Vienna offers for the first time in the winter semester 2025/26 the English-language Master's degree programme in "Religion in Europe" aimed at graduates. Info & Admission
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NEWS | COMECE contributes to conference on "Persecution for faith and chaos in the world"
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3 December - COMECE Adviser José Luis Bazán joined the conference "Persecution for faith and chaos in the world" at Charles University of Prague, Czechia, for the ACN initiative 'Red Wednesday', noting growing limits to free expression and impacts on FoRB in some Western countries. A Jewish-Christian prayer for all faith-persecuted people closed the event.
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NEWS | Ambassadors of EU Member States visit the École biblique in Jerusalem
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12 December - The École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem (EBAF) recently hosted the Heads of Mission of the European Union Member States for a meeting and an exchange focused on the work and mission of the institution. During the visit, the diplomatic representatives met with Fr Olivier Poquillon, O.P., Director of the École biblique and former General Secretary of COMECE, and took part in a presentation and guided introduction to the school.
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The visit offered an opportunity to learn more about the École biblique, the oldest academic institution in the Holy Land, and its long-standing contribution to biblical and archaeological research in the region. More info about EBAF
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EVENT | 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the Holy See
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26 November – On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the Holy See, a Mass was celebrated at Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, Rome, by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See. The celebration was attended by members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, including ambassadors from various regions of the world, as well as representatives of EU Member States.
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During the liturgy, representatives of EU Member States contributed by proclaiming readings and prayers in their respective languages. The celebration also included prayers for peace, with particular reference to the situation in Ukraine.
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The Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli is located on Rome’s Capitoline Hill, a site of particular historical significance for the European Union, as it was here that the Treaties of Rome, the EU’s founding treaties, were signed in 1957. In light of this historical connection, the Holy See has included the basilica in the Iter Europaeum, one of the pilgrimage routes proposed for the Holy Year in Rome, which highlights places linked to the history and values of European integration.
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The celebration formed part of the broader commemorations marking more than five decades of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the Holy See, reflecting ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two entities on issues of common concern.
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NEWS | Deputy Editorial Director of Vatican Media elected President of the Radio and Audio News Group of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
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15 December - COMECE warmly congratulates Alessandro Gisotti, Deputy Editorial Director of Vatican Media, on his recent election as President of the Radio and Audio News Group (RANG) of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
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The Radio and Audio News Group brings together values and best practices on editorial and ethical issues in the radio and audio sector at the European level. It pools the expertise of directors, journalists, and producers for the benefit of all EBU members. The RANG meets several times a year to discuss trending topics, focusing especially on the impact of new technologies on information and media in Europe. More info
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BLESSED CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
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As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the COMECE Secretariat wishes you and all who are dear to you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! May His peace fill your hearts and homes.
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"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"
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"Peace is built on justice and integral human development."
Pope Benedict XIV
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