H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), issued a statement on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, expressing deep concern for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, which persists more than a decade after the outbreak of conflict. Mgr. Crociata: “Christians communities are an integral and essential part of the history and culture of the region for … Continue reading »

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) commented on Thursday, 23 May 2024, regarding the recent implentation of the decision by Turkish authorities to transform the Church of Saint Savior in Chora into a mosque. “This step further dilutes the historical roots of the Christian presence in the country. Any interreligious dialogue initiative promoted by Turkish authorities loses credibility”. Four years … Continue reading »

COMECE welcomes the resolution of the European Parliament adopted on Thursday, 8 February 2024, condemning recent attacks against Christians in Nigeria. COMECE: “The resolution, however, downplays the religious dimension of the conflict”. The Resolution adopted by the European Parliament condemns the massacre committed on 23-25 December 2023, when gunmen launched a large-scale attack in more than 160 villages in the Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Magu … Continue reading »

COMECE, L’Œuvre d’Orient and Aid to the Church in Need invite you to participate in the conference “Syria – Humanitarian and Development Challenges of Faith Based Actors: A Christian Perspective”, to take place at the COMECE Secretariat, (Square de Meeûs 19, Brussels), on Monday, 12 June 2023, from 17:00 to 19:00 (CET). Registration is now open! The conference is organised as a “side event” to … Continue reading »

The Bishop of Sokoto, H. E. Mgr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, visited the Secretariat of COMECE on Tuesday, 16 May 2023, to participate in a dialogue meeting with EU and Church representatives on the current situation in Nigeria. The meeting resulted in a fruitful discussion on Nigeria’s challenges following the presidential elections held on 25 February 2023. Mgr. Kulak highlighted the positive role of healthy public … Continue reading »

The President of COMECE, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich sj., expresses the solidarity of the EU Bishops to the Catholic Church in Nicaragua which is facing deep distress due to State persecution. Cardinal Hollerich: “Release Mgr. Rolando Álvarez and the other detainees”. Read the letter In a letter addressed to H.E. Mgr. Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez, OFM, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nicaragua, on Monday 6th … Continue reading »

The Bishops of the European Union welcome the appointment of Frans van Daele as EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU, made public on Wednesday 7 December 2022 by EC Vice-President Margaritis Schinas. Cardinal Hollerich: “We congratulate Mr van Daele and we are ready to cooperate with him. We call on the European Commission to provide adequate resources … Continue reading »

In view of the today’s vote of the European Parliament’s motion for resolution on the persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion, the General Secretary of COMECE, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, has made the following statement: “The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as well as the inherent right to life are fundamental human rights recognized in international law. They … Continue reading »