Vatican City: Leaders of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) have called for a renewed vision for Europe based on peace, unity, and dialogue at a time when the continent is facing wars, growing populism, and social divisions.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Vatican Radio headquarters on Thursday, COMECE leaders reflected on their meeting with Pope Leo XIV earlier in the day and shared concerns about the future direction of Europe.
Bishop Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, said the meeting with the Pope was marked by openness and harmony, especially regarding the Church’s mission in Europe today.
He said the European Union was founded as a peace project after the tragedies of war and still carries that responsibility today. According to him, Europe must continue promoting dialogue among nations and strengthening cooperation among international institutions.
Bishop Crociata noted that Pope Leo XIV had strongly encouraged support for multilateralism and peaceful cooperation among countries.
At the same time, he warned that the European Union’s mission is becoming weaker because of growing divisions within member states and the rise of populist movements across the continent.
He stressed that the Church cannot remain silent or retreat because of political pressure or fear. Instead, he said the Gospel and Catholic social teaching must continue guiding the Church’s response to the major issues facing Europe today.
“Our task goes beyond political divisions and electoral majorities,” Bishop Crociata explained. “We are called to promote values that serve humanity and Europe.”
During the meeting, COMECE leaders also presented Pope Leo XIV with a proposal for a new edition of “Rethinking Europe,” a major gathering planned for autumn 2027.
The event would mark ten years since the first “Rethinking Europe” conference held at the Vatican in 2017, which brought together Church leaders, European politicians, academics, and representatives from various Christian communities.
Bishop Crociata described the proposed event as an important opportunity for reflection and dialogue on the future of Europe and the wider world during a time of global uncertainty.
Archbishop Antoine Hérouard of Dijon, who serves as First Vice President of COMECE, also underlined the need to preserve Europe’s identity as a project built on unity and peace.
He said creating conditions for peaceful coexistence is not only the responsibility of governments and institutions but also of society as a whole.
According to the Archbishop, many countries around the world continue to look toward Europe for leadership and stability, especially during ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
He clarified that the Church does not seek political power or political victories, but it does recognize that many Christian principles are closely connected to the original ideals behind the European project.
Bishop Czeslaw Kozon of Copenhagen focused his remarks on the situation of migrants and the way immigration is increasingly used in political debates.
He expressed concern that immigrants are often portrayed as enemies or blamed for social problems.
While acknowledging that migration has been a long standing issue in Europe, he said the current use of the topic by populist movements has created fear and division in many societies.
Bishop Kozon also highlighted the important role immigrants play within the Catholic Church itself, especially in Northern European countries where many parishes have been revitalized by migrant communities.
He said migrants are not only welcomed for humanitarian reasons but are also seen as a living and active part of the Church.
In some places where parish communities were declining, he explained, immigrant families brought new life and renewed participation in Church life.
For this reason, he said, the Church in Northern Europe stands beside migrants both out of humanitarian concern and because of their important contribution to the life of the Church.