Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, during the 2025 Autumn Assembly in Brussels (Photo: Ada Lushi/COMECE)
In the context of the autumn plenary assembly of the bishops of the European Union, taking place in Brussels from 1 to 3 October, the COMECE Secretariat is publishing a note from the President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, on the dramatic situation in the Gaza Strip, in Ukraine, Sudan, and in other regions affected by war.
Below is the text of the note in both English and Italian.
“As bishops delegated by the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union, we have gathered in recent days for the COMECE autumn assembly in Brussels.
We have shared the concerns that currently afflict our countries and the world. In particular, we have taken to heart the suffering of people at war. We have listened to the testimony of our Ukrainian permanent observer brothers, and we follow with deep concern and sorrow the situation in the Gaza Strip.
The suffering of the Palestinian people breaks our hearts. The images of civilian victims, starving children, families forced to leave their homes, and the destruction of cities affects us deeply and shakes our very sense of humanity.
We join the many appeals of Pope Leo XIV and urge the international community, starting with the European Union, to commit itself by every means possible to a swift resolution which includes the liberation of all hostages, full access to necessary humanitarian aid, and the achievement of a just and lasting peace.
With our Churches we make ourselves a living and active part of the prayer for peace, expressing our constant closeness and solidarity with the Church and with all suffering people, especially in Gaza and the Holy Land, in Ukraine, and in Sudan.”