Pope Leo XIV Met with Bishops of the European Union to Discuss a Major New Initiative for 2027


COMECE Outlines Vision for Europe’s Future to Counter Populism and War

The presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) met with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday morning to discuss the pressing challenges facing the continent. Speaking at a press conference at Vatican Radio headquarters, the EU Bishops emphasized a deep harmony between their mission and the Pope's magisterium. They also announced a proposal to host a major dialogue initiative, "Rethinking Europe," in the fall of 2027.


Key Takeaways from the Vatican Audience

1. A Weakened EU Mission Amid Global Polarization

COMECE President Bishop Mariano Crociata emphasized that the European Union was fundamentally built as a project of peace and multilateralism. However, he warned that this core identity is currently under threat.

  • The Threat: Rising populism and internal divisions are actively weakening the EU's unity.

  • The Church's Stance: Bishop Crociata insisted that the Church must remain steadfast, guided by the Gospel and Catholic social teaching rather than political convenience or fear.

  • The Mandate: "Our task goes beyond divisions, majorities, and minorities: it is to promote values at the service of humanity and of today’s Europe," Crociata stated.

2. "Rethinking Europe" 2027

To address these ongoing crises, the Bishops proposed a second edition of the "Rethinking Europe" forum for autumn 2027.

Context: This event will mark the 10th anniversary of the inaugural 2017 forum, which gathered 300 secular and religious leaders at the Vatican. The 2027 edition aims to serve as a critical platform for dialogue regarding the global challenges confronting Europe.

3. Fostering Dialogue Beyond Politics

Archbishop Antoine Hérouard of Dijon, First Vice-President of COMECE, reiterated that Europe’s responsibility to foster peace goes deeper than mere legislation or institutional frameworks.

While acknowledging the devastating impacts of current wars in Europe and the Middle East, Archbishop Hérouard clarified the Church's role:

  • Not Political Actors: The Church does not chase political outcomes.

  • Moral Alignment: The Church supports the European project because its founding principles align with Christian values of peaceful coexistence.

4. Countering the Weaponization of Immigration

Bishop Czeslaw Kozon of Copenhagen, Vice-President of COMECE, sharply criticized how populist movements use immigrants as societal scapegoats.

Speaking on the reality of the Church in Northern Europe, Bishop Kozon highlighted the vital role migrants play:

DimensionThe Church's Dual Support for Migrants
HumanitarianA fundamental duty to protect and welcome vulnerable people.
EcclesialImmigrants are breathing new life into dying parishes, serving as a vibrant, essential part of the living Church.

The COMECE presidency concluded the briefing by reaffirming their commitment to a united Europe that resists division, embraces the marginalized, and actively pursues international diplomacy.

Vatican Media Image and Article edited from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-05/comece-outlines-a-vision-for-europe-s-future-against-wars.html

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