Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica humanitas will be officially presented in Brussels on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, during a high-level public event organised by the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) at the Chapel for Europe, from 19:00 to 21:00 CET. The event will bring together representatives of the Holy See and the EU, as well as leading experts in Artificial Intelligence. In-person attendance is now fully booked, but registration to online participation still open. Registration is required. Registration | Poster
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EU policymakers, representatives of the European institutions, civil society organisations, other EU stakeholders and members of the general public and media are encouraged participate in this event, which will offer an opportunity to reflect on the relevance of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter for the future of Europe and the European project, as well as its implications for EU policymaking.
Programme of the event
This high-level event will take place on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at the Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlant 22, 1000 Brussels, from 19:00 to 21:00.
The keynote speaker will be H.E. Mgr Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See. He will offer a perspective on the implications of Artificial Intelligence for the Church, culture and human dignity.
Other panelists include Ms Anna A. MacMillan (CSO & Board Member, Domus Communis Foundation), MEP Michael McNamara (Co-Chair, European Parliament’s AI Working Group), and Mr Enrico Rubboli (Founder & CEO, Mintlayer).
The event will be moderated by Mr Leonardo Cervera-Navas (Secretary-General, European Data Protection Supervisor).
Participation in-person and online
Due to limited capacity, in-person attendance is now fully booked but you can still register for online participation. Click here to register. Click here to register
The Encyclical Letter Magnifica humanitas
Magnifica humanitas is Pope Leo XIV’s first Encyclical Letter. Published on 25 May 2026, it focuses on safeguarding the human person in the age of Artificial Intelligence and reflects on human dignity, work, social justice and the common good in the face of rapid technological change.
Its message is particularly relevant to Europe, as the EU seeks to shape the development and use of AI in ways that uphold human dignity, protect fundamental rights and serve the common good. Read the Encyclical and related material
COMECE Assembly
The presentation of Magnifica humanitas will take place in the context of COMECE’s 2026 Autumn Plenary Assembly, to be held from 14 to 16 October under the theme “Magnifica humanitas: Europe, Human Dignity and the Common Good”. The Assembly will bring together the bishops delegated to COMECE by the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the EU Member States.
It will also provide an opportunity for EU and Church representatives to engage in an in-depth discussion on the future of the European Union, the promotion of freedom of religion and the challenges of financing the common good in Europe’s new geopolitical context.
Mass for Europe
On Thursday, 15 October 2026, the bishops of the European Union will celebrate a Mass for Europe at the Church of Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon in Brussels. The Mass will be presided over  by H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE. Participation in the Mass for Europe is open to the public and does not require registration.
Media participation
Media registration for both the presentation of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica humanitas and the COMECE Autumn Assembly is now closed. Only journalists and media professionals who have received written confirmation of their accreditation will be able to attend.
Journalists interested in arranging a remote interview are invited to contact the COMECE Press Office. Follow our website and social media channels for updates and coverage of both events.
