Category Archives: Press

EU External Affairs, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release, 08/04/2022

Leaders of EU Churches at the Polish-Ukrainian border call for peace and reconciliation

The Presidents of COMECE and CEC issue a special Easter message from the Polish-Ukrainian border on Friday 8 April 2022, invoking prayer and action for peace in Ukraine and beyond. “Let us continue to pray and work for justice, reconciliation and peace between people, cultures, nations.” Easter Message | Video| Photos H.Em. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ and Rev. Christian Krieger, Presidents of the Commission of … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

Webinar | Is the EU as a community of shared legal principles in a crisis?

The process of European integration is often described as a history of crises. At the same time, however, the EU is a unique project for peace and democracy, based on jointly established and consistently observed law. In recent years, this framework has been increasingly called into question and appears less amenable to consensus. Is the EU in crisis? What is the validity of European values … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Statement of the Christian Group on Migration on the arrival of refugees from Ukraine

The Christian Group on Migration, composed of organisations representing Churches throughout Europe, as well as Christian agencies particularly concerned with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, releases on Thursday 24 March 2022 a statement welcoming the warm EU-wide support to refugees from Ukraine and appeals to EU Member States to broadly implement the Temporary Protection Directive. The document includes “important steps to be taken at policy and … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

War in Ukraine: Response of the Moscow Patriarchate to the COMECE letter 

Following the letter addressed to Moscow Patriarch Kirill from H. Em. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, President of COMECE, earlier in March 2022, we share the response provided by H. Em. Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations. Click here to read or download the letter (RU – EN)

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

European Catholic Social Days: “we have walked together, we have been in a real process of synodality”

“In Bratislava we have been in a real process of synodality. It is by continuing to walk together that we shall see where the spirit of God is leading us”, stated Cardinal Hollerich at the conclusion of the European Catholic Social Days on Sunday 20 March 2022. The next edition will be held in 2027. After three days of intense debate on the challenges posed … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

European Catholic Social Days on technological & ecological transitions

The second day of the European Catholic Social Days, Saturday 19 March 2022, was devoted to the theme of digital and ecological transition processes. “Every effort to protect and improve our world entails profound changes in “lifestyles, models of production and consumption”. H.E. Mgr. Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, delivered the first keynote speech of the day, addressing participants on new … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

Consecration and entrustment of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. European Bishops accept Pope Francis’ invitation

From Bratislava, where the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days is taking place, the Presidents of COMECE, CCEE and Slovak Bishops’ Conference joyfully welcome Pope Francis’ invitation to Bishops around the world and their priests to join him in praying for peace and in consecrating and entrusting Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Read the Statement (EN – IT – … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

European Catholic Social Days | Pope Francis addresses the participants

Pope Francis addressed the participants of the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days on Friday 18 March 2022, thanking Church actors for the “prompt and coordinated response in coming to the aid” of the refugees from Ukraine. Read the message of Pope Francis On the occasion of the opening session of the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Days held in Bratislava on … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

COMECE 2022 Spring Assembly | EU Bishops on the war in Ukraine: “Welcoming refugees reflects Christian and European values”

The COMECE 2022 Spring Assembly was held in Bratislava on Thursday 17 March 2022 to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Cardinal Hollerich: “Deep respect for all countries welcoming refugees. This sincere solidarity reflects Christianand European values”. The Bishops of the European Union gathered in Bratislava in the context of the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days, which will take place in the … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

The European Catholic Social Days to start this evening in Bratislava

The European Catholic Social Days start today 17 March 2022 in Bratislava, gathering more than two-hundred participants from all over Europe to discuss some of the most pressuring social challenges in European societies. Pope Francis and the President of the Slovak Republic will address the audience. Download the programme Following the first two editions in Gdansk and Madrid, this year the initiative is hosted in … Continue reading »