COMECE

The Latest

A plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

Catholic bishops say abortion can ‘never be a fundamental right’ ahead of EU charter vote

Apr 9, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

Catholic bishops in the European Union reiterated that a right to abortion can never be a “fundamental” right ahead of... Read more

European Parliament.

European bishops concerned about draft bill on medical use of ‘human substances’

Sep 13, 2023

By ACI Prensa

The bishops stated that “as the Catholic Church we are convinced ... that human life from the beginning, including unborn... Read more

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Bishops condemn European Union’s drafting of ‘right to abortion’ 

Jul 18, 2023

By Daniel Payne

In its Tuesday statement, the bishops argued that the measure would constitute an “ethical indefensibility” against human rights and European... Read more

Bishop Mariano Crociata meets with Pope Francis on March 23, 2023.

Meet the new president of the European bishops’ commission

Mar 30, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Italian Bishop Mariano Crociata, 70, will lead the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) until 2028. Read more

Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, during the indictment presented by the dictatorship of Nicaragua on Jan. 10, 2023.

European bishops call for release of Nicaraguan bishop due to stand trial for conspiracy

Feb 8, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

The president of the European bishops’ conferences has demanded “the immediate release” of Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Read more

The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

'Women deserve better': Experts criticize EU Parliament resolution on ‘right to abortion’

Jul 7, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Legal experts have called “inaccurate and misleading” a proposed resolution by the European Parliament to include a “right to abortion”... Read more

The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Nov. 25, 2014.

Catholic leader criticizes EU Parliament for backing motion on US abortion law

Jun 9, 2022

By CNA Staff

The motion secured 364 votes in favor, 154 against, and 37 abstentions. Read more

The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Catholic bishops’ commission: EU parliament resolution on US abortion law is ‘unacceptable interference’

Jun 8, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

COMECE said that adopting the resolution would ‘discredit’ the European Parliament. Read more

The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

European Parliament backs persecution report criticized by Catholic Church

May 4, 2022

By CNA Staff

COMECE said the report ‘rendered invisible’ millions of believers persecuted for their faith. Read more

The aftermath of the Russian occupation of Bucha, Ukraine.

European church leaders ask Putin and Zelenskyy for Easter ceasefire

Apr 13, 2022

By CNA Staff

‘We respectfully request you to declare a ceasefire in Ukraine from midnight on April 17,’ they wrote. Read more

Emmanuel Macron.

EU Catholic bishops criticize Macron’s call to add abortion to rights charter

Feb 8, 2022

By CNA Staff

They noted that there is no ‘right’ to abortion enshrined in international law. Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J., pictured at the Vatican on Oct. 10, 2018, before he received the red hat.

Bishops to hold meeting on Church’s social teaching to show ‘Catholics are alive in Europe’

Dec 10, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The 3rd European Catholic Social Days will be held in March in Slovakia. Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J., pictured at the Vatican on Oct. 10, 2018.

EU Catholic bishops lament ‘anti-religious bias’ in guide discouraging word ‘Christmas’

Dec 1, 2021

By CNA Staff

Cardinal Hollerich said that Christmas was part ‘of European reality.’ Read more

Christos Stylianides at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, Sept. 30, 2014.

Catholic bishops’ commission laments EU religious freedom envoy vacancy

Sep 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

The special envoy has left months after taking up the role. Read more

The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Abortion is not healthcare, bishops say ahead of European Parliament vote

Jun 17, 2021

A commission of European bishops criticized a report seeking the recognition of a “right to abortion.” Read more

The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Nov. 25, 2014. Credit: Alan Holdren/CNA.

EU Catholic bishops criticize European Parliament resolution on Poland’s abortion law

Feb 25, 2021

Catholic bishops across Europe have criticized a European Parliament resolution on Poland’s abortion law.  Read more

Stock Image via Shutterstock.

Catholic leaders urge EU to be guided by solidarity in vaccine distribution

Feb 23, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Catholic leaders in Europe have urged the European Union to be guided by solidarity, fraternity, and social justice as it... Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg, at the Vatican, Oct. 5, 2019.

Cardinal: Danish bill requiring translation of homilies threatens religious freedom

Jan 22, 2021

A cardinal said on Friday that a proposed law in Denmark requiring the translation of all homilies into Danish is... Read more

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, pictured Jan. 1, 2012.

Cardinal Parolin to EU bishops: Protect life from conception to natural death

Nov 3, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has encouraged bishops in Europe to evaluate legislative proposals in light of the... Read more

Pope Francis attends the general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall Oct. 21, 2020.

Pope Francis urges Europe’s leaders to rediscover ‘path of fraternity’

Oct 27, 2020

Pope Francis warned Europe’s leaders Tuesday that the project of European unity is at risk unless they “rediscover the path... Read more