Vatican City: In a significant meeting at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed his wholehearted encouragement for the ongoing efforts of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) in fostering synodality, ecumenical dialogue, and evangelisation throughout the continent. The Pope welcomed Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, President of the CCEE, and Cardinal Ladislav Német, Vice President, reaffirming the Church’s mission to promote unity, peace, and pastoral renewal in a rapidly changing Europe.
During the private audience, Archbishop Grušas highlighted the progress of the CCEE, particularly its dedication to ecumenical engagement. One major initiative discussed was the forthcoming update to the Charta Oecumenica, a foundational document signed 25 years ago to advance cooperation among Christian communities in Europe.
“This renewed agreement,” Grušas said, “is our commitment to work together in achieving Christian unity across the continent.” The Holy Father encouraged the bishops to persist in this mission, especially within the framework of the global synodal process, acknowledging the diverse linguistic and cultural realities of Europe as both a challenge and an opportunity for spiritual growth.
The conversation also touched upon current geopolitical turmoil, including conflicts in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Archbishop Grušas emphasized that such times call the Church to intensify its commitment to prayer and peacemaking diplomacy. He echoed Pope Leo’s concern over the escalating arms race, aligning with the Pontiff’s recent address to ROACO, where he denounced the narrative that peace relies on militarization.
“We must resist the false belief that rearmament is a guarantee of peace,” said Grušas, pointing to the tragic contrast between defense budgets and the lack of basic necessities in many parts of the world. “It pains me to see how much is spent on weapons while people die due to shortages of food, medicine, and clean water.”
The suspension of humanitarian aid by USAID, particularly to nations in the global South, was also flagged as a grave concern. “Children are starving, schools are shutting down this is the real cost of diverted priorities,” he added.
Cardinal Német took a more optimistic view of Europe’s religious landscape, countering bleak portrayals with evidence of spiritual resilience. “The situation is not as dire as often assumed,” he said, pointing to a vibrant religious life in many parts of the continent, along with a growing spiritual curiosity among youth in Central and Eastern Europe.
He praised the dynamism of Orthodox Christian communities and stressed the importance of reciprocal learning between traditions. “We learn much from the Orthodox, and this mutual enrichment strengthens our collective witness.”
When asked about the Church’s path forward in Europe, Cardinal Német advocated for confident yet inclusive evangelisation. “We must speak openly and clearly about Christ,” he said, “but without retreating into isolation or rigidity. Our witness should be welcoming, not exclusive.”
Pope Leo XIV’s meeting with the CCEE leaders underscores the Vatican’s desire for a Church in Europe that is both unified and outward-looking—grounded in dialogue, inspired by synodal listening, and driven by a commitment to peace and justice. As Europe faces rising secularism, armed conflict, and social fragmentation, the Pope’s message was clear: the Church must respond not with fear, but with faith, cooperation, and unwavering hope.