Pope Leo XIV received the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union in audience at Vatican City on Friday, 23 May 2025. This marked the first official meeting between COMECE and the Holy Father. Photo Gallery
First official meeting between Pope Leo XIV and the Presidency of COMECE. Vatican City, 23 May 2025. (Photo: Vatican Media)
Led by its President, H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, the COMECE delegation introduced itself and engaged in discussion with the Holy Father on the current state of the European integration process and the European Union’s role in promoting peace and integral human development in an increasingly uncertain and rapidly evolving world. During the audience, Pope Leo XIV underscored the significance of COMECE’s mission of dialogue with the institutions of the European Union.
During the meeting, a number of pressing themes were addressed. These included the urgent need to promote dialogue and peace both within Europe and globally; the challenges posed by migration and asylum; the social implications of emerging technologies, particularly those based on Artificial Intelligence (AI); and the erosion of democracy in various regions.
The new pontiff particularly emphasised the Christian roots of Europe and their significance for the European project, while also acknowledging the presence of other cultural and religious traditions, and highlighting the importance of guiding younger generations in their faith and supporting their integral development.
Pope Leo XIV and COMECE President Mgr. Mariano Crociata. Vatican City, 23 May 2025. (Photo: Vatican Media)
Together, they also addressed the topic of the protection of personal data vis-à-vis sacramental records, as well as challenges related to safeguarding freedom of religion within the European Union. Other discussions focused on the demographic crisis in Europe and on the ethical and legal dimensions of end-of-life legislation in EU member states.
The Holy Father was presented with a copy of the COMECE 2024 Annual Report, along with the book Pope Francis and Europe, published by the COMECE Secretariat last month as a tribute to Pope Francis’s consistent attention to the European project.
This audience marked the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s engagement with COMECE, continuing the tradition of annual meetings between the Holy Father and the Presidency of COMECE.
The COMECE delegation was composed of:
- H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata (President)
- H.E. Mgr Bernardito Cleopas Auza (Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union)
- H.E. Mgr Antoine Hérouard (First Vice-President)
- H.E. Mgr Rimantas Norvila (Vice-President)
- H.E. Mgr Nuno Brás da Silva Martins (Vice-President)
- H.E. Mgr Czeslaw Kozon (Vice-President)
- Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto (General Secretary of COMECE)
- Alessandro Calcagno (Assistant General Secretary of COMECE)
Following the papal audience, the COMECE Presidency held a well-attended press conference in collaboration with the Holy See Press Office. A selection of interviews conducted on this occasion is provided below.
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