Category Archives: Press

Press

Press Release

COMECE and CEC meet with Slovak EU Presidency

On Tuesday morning in Bratislava a delegation led by Slovakia’s State Secretary for European Affairs Ivan Korčok received representatives from the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE). The meeting between the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union and church representatives focused on the state of the European Union following the so-called … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

COMECE cordially invites you to participate in the Mass for Europe

The Mass will be presided by Bishop Jozef De Kesel, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels and concelebrated by Mgr Jozef Hal’ko, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bratislava together with Mgr Jean Kockerols, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, vice-president of COMECE. The Mass for Europe is organised by the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) in partnership with the Diocese of Malines-Brussels … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE welcomes the new EU Global Strategy

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini presented yesterday to the European leaders at their Summit in Brussels the new Global Strategy for the EU´s Foreign and Security Policy. COMECE, who actively participated in the reflection process, welcomes the document and hopes for its proper and effective implementation. Despite a packed crisis agenda at the EU Summit, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini presented yesterday to the European … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Cardinal Marx on Brexit: “Time has come for Europe to look ahead”

Statement by Cardinal Reinhard Marx, President of COMECE following the referendum in the United Kingdom: “Last Thursday, the majority of British voters cast their votes in a referendum in favour of a withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. This decision of the British voters should of course be respected, even if we, as COMECE, find it extremely regrettable. The European Union is … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Free trade demands a regulatory framework and ethical principles

US and EU Bishops present their common position on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) prior to the 14th round of negotiations. For the first time in their history, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) and the United States’ Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) publish a common position on a political theme, which is of primary importance for citizens … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

External action: an authentic European Peace Policy needed

War in Syria, Iraq and Libya, conflict in Eastern Ukraine, terrorism and hybrid threats: in recent months, an arc of instability has surrounded the European Union and violent attacks even hit its core. It is to be hoped that this 28-29 June, the EU will reshape the strategic guidance for its Foreign & Security Policy. In a report published today, COMECE Bishops make 22 policy … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

Visit of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Rangoon, to Brussels

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon (Rangoon) made a two-days visit to the EU Capital this 24 May. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo became Burma/Myanmar’s first ever Cardinal in 2015, and has long been one of the most outspoken voices for human rights, religious freedom, inter-religious harmony, peace and justice in the country. He is the main defender of the Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar and … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

The Pope’s Speech on Europe : powerful and encouraging

Reaction of Fr Patrick H. Daly, Secretary general of COMECE, to Pope Francis acceptance speech, on receipt of the Karlspreis: ‘COMECE cannot but welcome Pope Francis’ powerful evocation of all the ideals to which the founding fathers of the European project aspired in an imaginative, optimistic and challenge rallying cry to a continent he referred to from the outset as “beloved”. The Pope singled out … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Pope Francis’ visit to Lesbos: a bench-mark moment for Europe’s response to the refugee crisis

In view of Pope Francis’ visit to Lesbos on 16 April next, the General Secretary of COMECE, Fr Patrick H.Daly, made the following statement: “At the very outset of his pontificate, in visiting the rocky Italian outpost of Lampedusa, Pope Francis displayed his concern for those many migrants who put their lives at risk in order to seek refuge in Europe. The fate of migrants … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Cardinal Marx on the Brussels Attacks

The President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), Cardinal Reinhard Marx, issued the following statement following the attacks in Brussels: ‘The attacks at Brussels Airport and on the Metro in the city have upset me deeply and filled me with sadness. My thoughts and prayers go out at this moment to the dead, the injured and their dear ones. … Continue reading »