Bishops of the European Union Pray for Peace in Gaza and the Holy Land, in Ukraine, and in Sudan

 + Note from the President of COMECE H.E. Mariano Crociata Autumn Plenary Assembly 3 October 2025, Brussels. 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. Note 03/10/2025

COMECE Release - COMECE is the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community. It is made up of Bishops delegated by the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union and it has a permanent Secretariat in Brussels. COMECE monitors and assists in European policy-making. It is able to present positions ahead of events with considerable legitimacy, placing trust in the European idea that it has been supporting for thirty years, in communion with the whole Church.