Brussels: The Bishops of the European Union, gathered under the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), have issued a strong appeal for peace, urging an end to the wars raging across different parts of the world. Their statement, released at the close of the Fall Plenary Assembly in Brussels, underscored both their closeness to suffering communities and their commitment to a just and lasting peace.
In a Note signed by COMECE President Archbishop Mariano Crociata, the Bishops affirmed that they and their Churches “make ourselves a living and active part of the prayer for peace.” They emphasized solidarity with victims of ongoing conflicts, naming especially those in Gaza and the Holy Land, Ukraine, and Sudan, regions devastated by war, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
Father Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE, explained in an interview with Vatican Radio that the Bishops had listened attentively to firsthand accounts, particularly from observers representing Ukraine, who spoke about the immense suffering endured by ordinary people. “Our appeal reflects both compassion for those affected and our desire to contribute to ending the cycle of violence,” Fr. Barrios Prieto noted.
The Bishops also directed their message to European leaders, calling on the European Union to do everything within its power to secure peace. Their plea was clear: work tirelessly to bring conflicts to an end and build a framework for a stable and just peace that addresses the root causes of violence.
Beyond appeals, the Fall Assembly included exchanges with European leaders. Antonella Berna, Vice-President of the European Parliament, attended the plenary to explore ways of strengthening dialogue between civil institutions and the Church. Discussions also included Commissioner Magnus Brunner, responsible for implementing Article 17 of the Lisbon Treaty, which mandates structured dialogue between the EU and religious communities.
Fr. Barrios Prieto highlighted that these conversations touched on issues of migration and asylum, subjects of deep concern for both the EU and the Church. “We had fruitful discussions on integration of asylum seekers, the new migration pact, and the broader challenges of human mobility,” he said. He stressed that the Church continues to uphold the dignity of every person as the foundation of its engagement with political institutions.
Addressing questions on how the Church can contribute concretely to Europe’s future, Fr. Barrios Prieto underlined the guiding principle of Catholic social teaching placing the human person and human dignity at the center of all policy. He acknowledged the challenges posed by rising populism, contested return policies for migrants, and the scourge of human trafficking. Yet, he reiterated that the Church insists above all on the humane and respectful treatment of every individual.
As Europe faces mounting humanitarian and political crises, the voice of COMECE stands as a reminder that peace, justice, and human dignity must remain the compass of public life. The Bishops concluded their assembly with a renewed pledge: to accompany the suffering, to remain in dialogue with institutions, and to remain steadfast in their call for an end to war.