The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) warmly welcomed Bishop Heiner Wilmer SCJ as the new delegate of the German Bishops’ Conference to the COMECE Assembly. On 2–3 July 2025, Bishop Wilmer visited Brussels for a dialogue mission during which COMECE facilitated a series of meetings with representatives of European institutions and Catholic organisations. Video interview with Mgr. Wilmer
Appointed in January 2025 by the German Bishops’ Conference as the bishop responsible for European affairs and thus as its delegate to COMECE, Bishop Wilmer used the visit to engage in meaningful and timely discussions on topics including the European Union’s geopolitical responsibilities, the safeguarding of peace and democracy, care for Creation and the ethical development of artificial intelligence.
In a short video interview, Bishop Wilmer said: “After meetings with various representatives of the European institutions, I realise more and more clearly how complex Europe is and how important it is that we stand together in Europe. My main realisation is that there can be no peace in Europe if we do not stand together and work together. As Christians, it is our duty to stand with the oppressed, especially the most vulnerable, and to ensure the rights of those on the margins. I am very grateful for the excellent cooperation with COMECE, and it is necessary to build bridges so that the world becomes a just world and peace reigns for all people.”
Mgr. Wilmer (Germany) at the European Commission together with Natasha Bertaud (Deputy Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Magnus), Protestant Bishop Kirsten Fehrs (Chair of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany) and Vincent Depaigne (Coordinator for the dialogue between the European Commission and Churches). (Photo: DBK)
A number of issues discussed during the various dialogue meetings are further explored in the COMECE Reflection Paper “The European Union’s Role in a Changing World: From Founding Vision to Global Mission” (June 2025) and the DBK Statement Guiding Principles for European Union Policy (July 2024). Both documents outline a vision for a democratic, capable and solidarity-driven EU, one that is committed to strengthening the core values of democracy and addressing key challenges such as polarisation, the erosion of multilateralism, and rising geopolitical tensions.
COMECE expresses its gratitude to Mgr. Wilmer, the German Bishops’ Conference and the EU institutions for the opportunity to support such important exchanges, and reaffirms its commitment to fostering constructive dialogue between the Church and the European Union.
In recent months, similar visits have also been undertaken by bishops from France and Spain. COMECE once again extends a warm invitation to the Bishops’ Conferences in the European Union to visit throughout the year. These encounters offer valuable opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and the strengthening of our shared mission with the European institutions.
Media
Biography of Mgr. Wilmer
DBK press release [DE]
Video interview with Mgr. Wilmer [DE]