Category Archives: Press

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

NEWS

Covid-19, COMECE welcomes EGE call for vigilance of restrictive measures

COMECE welcomes the statement recently released by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE), calling the EU and its Member States to be vigilant on the “necessity and proportionality of any policy and technological intervention that – taken in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic – suspends, even temporarily, fundamental rights”. Since late February 2020 the EU and its Member States … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

NEWS

Refugees in Europe: human dignity is not in quarantine

COMECE calls EU members states to show generosity in accepting the relocation of asylum seekers from Greek islands, minimising the risk of Covid-19 infection among them and providing adequate health treatment to those already infected. “We are in our homes, afraid. I also think of the most vulnerable: how it must feel for those who are in refugee camps, who have nothing, not even medicine … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

“Light a candle on Easter Eve”: European Bishops call faithful to give a sign of hope

In view of the upcoming Easter Sunday celebrations, H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ and H. Em. Card. Angelo Bagnasco, respectively Presidents of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE), invite all Catholics to spread a message of hope by lighting a candle at their window on Easter eve. “It … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

SanctuaryStreaming.eu: COMECE launches an online platform for live streaming masses

In the context of the current Covid-19 pandemic and the impossibility for many to physically participate in the celebrations and prayer moments of the Church, on Thursday 9 April 2020, a few days before Easter, COMECE launches “SanctuaryStreaming.eu”, an online platform offering live streaming services from Catholic sanctuaries and churches in Europe. The platform was built in response to the needs of many faithful who … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

“Christ is risen!” – COMECE and CEC Presidents offer Easter message

As people, families and communities continue to be affected by the COVID-19 crisis in Europe and in the rest of the world, H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ and Rev. Christian Krieger, respectively Presidents of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), share the following Easter message: Christians are preparing to commemorate the … Continue reading »

Press

NEWS

COMECE elaborates a list of main EU measures taken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic

On the occasion of the International Fact-checking Day (2 April) and in the context of COMECE’s commitment to counter fake news and disinformation, its Secretariat prepared a list of the main measures put forward in March 2020 by the EU institutions to fight the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to support the people and economies of all EU Member States. COMECE elaborated this list … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

Churches call for commitment to common European values amidst Covid-19. “Let us remain united”

As COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Europe and the world, presidents of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) have issued a joint call stressing the importance of unity, calling all Churches, communities and political leaders “to show our commitment to European values”. The joint statement titled “Let Us Remain United”, issued on Thursday, … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

New technologies, “Rome call for Artificial Intelligence ethics”

“The scope and acceleration of the transformations of the digital era have in fact raised unforeseen problems and situations that challenge our individual and collective ethos”, stated Pope Francis in his message addressed to the participants of the international workshop “The ‘good’ algorithm? Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, Law, Health”, organised on 26-28 February 2020 at the Vatican on the occasion of the 26th General Assembly of … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE Legal Affairs Commission: focus on new EU dossiers

The COMECE Legal Affairs Commission gathered experts from EU Bishops’ Conferences on Thursday 5 March 2020 in order to address current EU legal matter of particular relevance for the Church. Legal advisors updated each other and reflected on the continued impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the Catholic Church in the Member states. This topic will be the focus of the upcoming … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

Covid-19 outbreak: COMECE cancels its Assembly and postpones its 40th anniversary celebration

In line with the “social distancing” precautious measures recommended by the health authorities to limit the spread of the “Covid-19″virus, COMECE cancels its Spring Assembly and postpones to October 2020 the reception for the celebration of its 40th anniversary. The two events were expected to take place in Brussels on 25-27 March 2020, with the participation of H.Em. Card. Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of … Continue reading »