Category Archives: International Religious Freedom


COMECE supports an ambitious and coherent human rights’ policy based on the transcendent dignity of every human being.
While embracing the vision that the fundamental and inalienable right to religious freedom is the cornerstone of all human rights, it supports the view that EU decision-makers and officers should pay special attention to this fundamental right, in particular in its external relations.
To promote religious freedom and more generally, peace, justice and liberty, COMECE is also involved in ecumenical, intercultural and interreligious dialogues.
International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE congratulates Mairead McGuinness on appointment as EU Special Envoy for FoRB

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) congratulates Mairead McGuinness on her appointment as EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union, announced today, Thursday 26 March 2026. “COMECE knows Ms McGuinness well and has had the privilege of working closely with her during her time as a Member of the European Parliament, … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE contributes to interreligious dialogue on Europe’s shared values during Lent and Ramadan

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) participated in the conference ‘Interreligious Dialogue on the Universal Values of Europe’, held at the European Parliament, Brussels, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, by the EPP Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue and the European Muslim Leaders Council (EULEMA). The event featured contributions, among others, from EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner (responsible for Internal … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE praises European Parliament’s red lighting in support of persecuted faithful around the world

On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, parts of the Brussels seat of the European Parliament were illuminated in red, a gesture of significant symbolic value. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomed the initiative, promoted by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as part of global campaign ‘Red Wednesday’, calling it “an important sign of solidarity with persecuted Christians around … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | European bishops urge appointment of EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom

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. Statement [EN – FR – DE – IT – ES – HU – … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE Secretary General participates in SECAM’s 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali

At the invitation of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), COMECE Secretary General, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, took part in the 20th Plenary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 30 July to 4 August 2025. Read SECAM Assembly Final Declaration This offered Fr. Barrios Prieto the possibility of sharing some of the most recent COMECE initiatives concerning Africa, including joint activities with … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE President mourns Gaza Church attack amid Ukraine solidarity visit

Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), expresses deep emotion and grave concern at the news of the recent attack on the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip, which occurred today, Thursday 17 July 2025. The news reached Mgr. Crociata while he is in Ukraine for a three-day visit to express solidarity with the Ukrainian … Continue reading »