The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, received in audience on 25 June 2026 the Presidency of the Council of the European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), and for the first time, the Presidents of the CCEE Commissions also took part in the audience.
During the meeting, an overview was presented to the Holy Father of the activities recently carried out by the CCEE, with the initiatives of the Commissions and their respective Sections, as well as of the main meetings planned for the coming months, especially the Plenary Assembly of the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences, which will be held in Salzburg from 27 to 30 October 2026.
Several themes were addressed during the audience: evangelization, mission and synodality in the current European context, as well as the reception of the Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, with particular attention to the leading role of young people, to vocations and to formation for the priesthood in Europe.
The Holy Father listened with great attention to what was presented, offering his reflections and guidance and encouraging the CCEE to continue its mission of promoting communion among the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe and of responding to the pastoral challenges that the Church faces on the continent.
Taking part in the audience were the President of the CCEE, H.E. Archbishop Gintaras GRUŠAS; the Vice-Presidents, H.Em. Cardinal Ladislav NEMET and H.Em. Cardinal Jean-Claude HOLLERICH; H.E. Archbishop Zbignevs STANKEVICS, President of the Commission for Evangelization and Culture; H.E. Bishop Bohdan DZYURAKH, President of the Commission for Social Pastoral Care; H.E. Archbishop Leo CUSHLEY, President of the Commission for Family and Life; and H.E. Bishop Claudio GIULIODORI, President of the Commission for Youth. Also present were the General Secretary of the CCEE, Msgr. Antonio AMMIRATI, and the Vice General Secretary, Fr Charbel BTEICH.
Photo: Vatican Media