Category Archives: News

Europe

Pope Francis to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

25 March 2022 in St Peter’s Basilica

“Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, 25 March, during the Celebration of Penance that he will preside over at 5pm in St Peter’s Basilica. “The same act, on the same day, will be performed in Fatima by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, papal almoner, who is being sent there by the Pope.” This was announced in a statement … Continue reading Pope Francis to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary »

Europe

The Church prays for peace in Ukraine and for the victims of covid

Every nation celebrates Holy Mass on a day during Lent

The Church in Europe is gathering around the Eucharistic table. From Ash Wednesday, and throughout Lent, the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences of our continent will celebrate Holy Mass to invoke peace and to pray for those who have died as a result of war and of covid. The European bishops join Pope Francis’ appeal “to make 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting … Continue reading The Church prays for peace in Ukraine and for the victims of covid »

CCEE Presidency

In the name of God, stop

Appeal for peace in Ukraine

From Florence, where the “Mediterranean, Frontier of Peace” meeting is currently taking place, His Excellence Msgr Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Vilnius and President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), makes a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine. The Churches in Europe strongly condemn what has happened tonight in Ukraine. We must act together, and with determination, to put an immediate end to the … Continue reading In the name of God, stop »

Interreligious Dialogue Section

Islam and religious pluralism in Europe

The online meeting of the Bishops and National Delegates

On the morning of 15 February 2022, the study seminar promoted by the Section for Interreligious Dialogue of the CCEE Evangelisation and Culture Commission took place. The seminar was opened by H.E. Msgr Gintaras Grušas, CCEE President and H.E. Msgr Zhibgvnes Stankevics, President of the Commission for Evangelisation and Culture. The seminar focused on two topics: Islam in Europe between Inclusion and Exclusion, developed from … Continue reading Islam and religious pluralism in Europe »

CCEE Presidency

Appeal to Europe for the situation in Ukraine

H.E. Msgr. Grušas, CCEE President, invites us to pray for the gift of peace in Ukraine

The Presidency of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, giving voice to the Bishops of the European Continent in this dramatic moment of tension around Ukraine, wishes to express its closeness to the Churches in Ukraine and to all its people. They invite the international community to offer its support to the country in the face of the danger of a Russian military offensive. While … Continue reading Appeal to Europe for the situation in Ukraine »

Europe

Roberta Metsola elected President of the European Parliament

Congratulations from President Grušas

H. E. Msgr. Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Vilnius and President of the Council of the European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), congratulates Dr. Roberta Metsola on her election as President of the European Parliament. On behalf of the European bishops, the CCEE Presidency expresses its best wishes for her new position at the service of the European House, whilst hoping that work will continue on a European … Continue reading Roberta Metsola elected President of the European Parliament »

Bereavement

Hon. David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, has died

The sympathy and prayers of H.E. Msgr Grušas, CCEE President

Message of condolence for the death of Hon. David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament H. E. Msgr Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Vilnius and President of the Council of the European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), expresses the condolences and sympathy of the whole Church across Europe to the wife, Alessandra, and children Livia and Giulio, of Hon. David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, after his … Continue reading Hon. David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, has died »

Legal affairs

Challenges to the Freedom of the Church in the Context of the Pandemic

Meeting of the Legal Advisers for the European Bishops' Conferences

On the morning of 7 December 2021, twenty-six legal advisers from the European Bishops’ Conferences took part in a virtual meeting to consider the specifics of the restrictions put in place by European governments in the face of the challenge to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Covid-19). The meeting began with greetings from the CCEE President, H.E. Msgr Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Vilnius … Continue reading Challenges to the Freedom of the Church in the Context of the Pandemic »

BEREAVEMENT

Msgr Aldo Giordano, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, has died

He was the CCEE General Secretary for 13 years

On hearing the sad news of the death of His Excellence Monsignor Aldo Giordano, the Presidency and the Secretariat of the CCEE extend their sympathy to the family of Fr Aldo and his collaborators in Brussels and invoke the Lord of Life to welcome into Heaven his faithful servant, a man of dialogue and peace. The European bishops and, in particular, the Council of European … Continue reading Msgr Aldo Giordano, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, has died »