Category Archives: Plenary Assembly

The Assembly of COMECE is formed by the Bishops delegated by the Episcopates of each Member State of the European Union. Its main function is to take the decisions necessary to pursue, in a spirit of collegiality, a closer collaboration among the Bishops’ Conferences, to address the pastoral questions connected to the development of the competences and activities of the Union.

2018 Autumn COMECE Plenary Assembly. (Credit: EEAS)

The Assembly also provides an effective platform for exchange and concertation among the EU Bishops’ Conferences, engages in a dialogue with high-level EU representatives on current and future EU policies, and sets out the main lines of the activity of the COMECE Secretariat.

A single Bishop represents the Episcopates of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of Sweden, and the Republic of Finland. The Assembly also includes observers from the Episcopates of Serbia, Switzerland, Scotland, England and Wales.

The Apostolic Nunciature to the European Union, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Council of Europe, and a representative of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) and of Justice and Peace Europe are invited to take part in the Assembly.

The Assembly elects COMECE’s President and four Vice-Presidents from among its members ensuring that they are representative of the geographical distribution of the Episcopates of the European Union. The Assembly also elects the Presidents of the COMECE Commissions on Social Affairs, Legal Affairs and External Action.

The Assembly gathers twice per year (during the Spring and Autumn). A seminal issue of the European integration process provides the core theme for each meeting.

EU External Affairs, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE bishops in Łomża support EU future enlargements: “A strong message of hope for citizens seeking peace and justice”

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 major enlargement of the European Union, the bishops of COMECE, gathered in Łomża (Poland) for their Spring Assembly from April 17-19, 2024, adopted the statement ‘Let us continue building Europe together’. The bishops support the prospect of future enlargements: “It is not only a geopolitical necessity for stability in our continent, but a strong message … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

EU Bishops to gather in Poland for COMECE Plenary Assembly on 17-19 April

Delegates from the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union will gather in Łomża, Poland, for the Spring COMECE Plenary Assembly on 17-19 April 2024. Marking 20 years after the big EU enlargement, the Assembly will delve into the voices of Central and Eastern Europe in light of the forthcoming European elections. The Assembly’s agenda includes three main sessions, focusing on the European Union’s integration process, … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Assembly adopts declaration calling on the EU to offer a renewed vision for justice and peace

The Bishops of the European Union, gathered in Brussels for the 2023 Autumn COMECE Plenary Assembly, adopt a statement on peace in the context of the serious deterioration of international security, on Friday 10 November 2023. EU Bishops: “We call on Europe to offer a renewed vision for justice and peace”. Read the declaration [EN – IT – FR – CZ] Bishops express their deep … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

EVENT

EVENT | Participate in the Mass for Europe in Brussels on November 8!

In the context of the 2023 Autumn Plenary Assembly of COMECE, we invite you to participate in the Mass for Europe, to be celebrated at the Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon (Place du Grand Sablon, 1000, Bruxelles) on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at 19:00. The Holy Mass will be presided by the President of COMECE, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, and co-celebrated by the Bishops … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

ASSEMBLY | EU Bishops exchange with Italian Foreign Affairs Minister and elect Presidents of COMECE Commissions

The Spring Plenary Assembly held in Rome on 22-24 March 2023 ended on a high note thanks to the participation of Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, who shared interesting insights on current international challenges. The Assembly elected the Presidents of the COMECE Commissions. The dialogue meeting with Hon. Tajani offered the opportunity to address some of the most pressing issues on the European … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

ASSEMBLY | Pope Francis receives the Bishops of the European Union: “advance the cause of peace”

Pope Francis addressed the Bishops of the European Union and their new Presidency on Thursday 23 March 2023. The Holy Father asked them to never lose sight of “the two great dreams of Europe’s founding fathers: the dream of unity and the dream of peace”. Read Pope Francis’ speech On the second day of the Assembly, the Bishops of the European Union were received by … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

ASSEMBLY | Italian Bishop Crociata is the new President of COMECE

His Excellency Mgr. Mariano Crociata (Italy) is the new President of COMECE. He was elected on Wednesday 22 March 2023 by the Bishop Delegates of the EU Episcopates, gathered in Rome for the Spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE. On the same occasion, four Vice-Presidents were also elected: Mgr. Hérouard, Mgr. Brás da Silva Martins, Mgr. Norvila, Mgr. Kozon. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, Bishop of Latina, is … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

EU Bishops to elect their new Presidency and to meet with Pope Francis on 22 March in Rome

The Bishops of the European Union will gather in Rome on 22-24 March 2023 to elect their new Presidency. The election will take place in the context of the COMECE Spring Assembly, which will feature in its agenda an audience with Pope Francis and a dialogue session with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani. During the first day of the Assembly, on Wednesday … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE Plenary Assembly | EU Bishops appeal for peace in Ukraine and in the whole of Europe

Gathered in Brussels on 12-14 October 2022, the Plenary Assembly of the Bishop Delegates of the EU Episcopates makes a strong appeal to Russia to immediately suspend the hostilities against Ukraine and to all parties to work towards a solution to the conflict. They also encourage strong EU cohesion. Read the Statement EN | FR | IT | DE In the context of the 2022 … Continue reading »