The bishops of the European Union devoted significant attention to the ongoing deterioration of the international and multilateral context, with particular regard to the wars that in recent times have affected the Holy Land, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa.
Joining via video conference from Jerusalem, H.Em. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, shared his witness of the life of Christians in the Holy Land, highlighting in particular their difficulties and resilience in the aftermath of 7 October 2023.He described the daily challenges and violence experienced by local communities as a result of a multifaceted conflict involving numerous internal and international actors. In this context, Cardinal Pizzaballa encouraged the European bishops to promote interreligious dialogue in Europe, expressing the conviction that such efforts can have a positive impact also in the Holy Land and across the Middle East.
In this context, the role of the European Union as an actor for peace was further explored by the bishops in dialogue with Dr Christian Gsodam, Advisor for Strategic Communication and Foresight at the European External Action Service (EEAS). He framed the weakening of multilateralism within a broader reconfiguration of global balances and outlined both the great strengths but also the limitations of the EU’s role in several ongoing international crises, recalling the Union’s founding values and the need for all to be more engaged, including the Church as a relevant international actor and an important voice in the actual context.
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An urgent plea to seek peace and pursue it
Statement of the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE in the context of the worrying
situation in the Middle East region and beyond
Gathered in Cyprus for our Spring Plenary Assembly, we, the Delegates of the Bishops’
Conferences of the European Union, turn to the Lord in prayer and stand in solidarity
with all those suffering from devastating violence, instability and injustice in the Holy
Land, Lebanon, Iran and the wider Middle East region. In particular, we remember the
Christian communities, whose presence in these lands, where our faith has its roots,
remains a powerful testimony of perseverance, resilience and hope. We keep in our
minds and hearts in a special way Ukraine, Sudan, as also other parts of the world
enduring the evil of war and violence.
We are deeply saddened by these tragedies resulting in the loss of countless human lives,
widespread destruction and humanitarian crises affecting so many families. With
profound concern over growing global instability and the violent conflicts afflicting our
neighbourhood, as well as other parts of the world, we recall the recent words of Pope
Leo XIV: “Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash
wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to
dominate others, but to encounter them!”
In support of the Pope’s tireless appeals to world leaders to embrace the path of peace,
we express our full solidarity and communion with the Holy Father, whose spiritual and
moral authority is not guided by the logic of political confrontation, but by fidelity to the
Gospel and by a courageous witness to the truth.
From Cyprus, a land marked by its rich cultural and religious heritage, but also by a
history that continues to bear the wounds of division, we are reminded of the importance
of sustained efforts towards trust-building and reconciliation. We were deeply moved by
the witness of the Maronite communities in the northern part of the island, whose
continued presence is important to foster dialogue and contribute to a culture of
encounter.
The European Union, born as a project of peace, has a particular responsibility to act as a
credible force for peace and an active promoter of stability and dialogue across the
Middle East region, while contributing to maritime and energy security and nuclear nonproliferation efforts as part of a comprehensive peace process. In this spirit, we urge the
EU and its Member States to continue acting in unity and with determination:
intensifying their diplomatic, political and humanitarian engagement to protect human
dignity, uphold international law and support inclusive peacebuilding initiatives,
ensuring that the voices of all, including religious communities, are heard and their rights
respected. At the same time, the Union is called to exercise solidarity with Member States
affected by the regional instability and to adequately respond to the repercussions of
these conflicts within European societies, notably with regard to fostering social cohesion
and addressing the increased cost of living.
As followers of Christ, we are particularly encouraged in this Easter season, which
celebrates the victory of life over death and hope over despair, to renew our commitment
to be artisans of peace and reconciliation. May the light of the Risen Lord strengthen this
shared effort so that even in the darkest moments, violence and injustice do not have the
final word, but a path towards a just and lasting peace is sought and pursued.
Signed by the bishops delegated by the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union
gathered for the spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE (Nicosia, 24 April 2026).
https://www.comece.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/260424-Plenary-Peace-Statement-EN-original.pdf
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