Press Release No: 20/03 issued jointly with the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union
31 January 2020
Brussels

At the end of 60th anniversary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the beginning of 40th anniversary of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), Pope Francis offered his blessings to both organisations.

The Pope conveyed his appreciation for the work of the Brussels-based Christian organisations in a private audience with CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger and COMECE President H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ. The audience was held at the Vatican on 30 January 2020.  

CEC and COMECE presidents had the opportunity to share with His Holiness their common vision to bring in ecumenical cooperation, the voice of the churches to the EU institutions.

The Pope appreciated and welcomed this common approach, which aims to implement, even more credibly, the vision of a united Europe. “If we are to promote the Christian contribution to peace, reconciliation and the unity of Europe, we must speak with one voice and act together,” stated both Cardinal Hollerich and Rev. Krieger.

The audience with Pope Francis allowed CEC and COMECE presidents to exchange on the challenges facing European project and beyond, as well as on the contribution of the churches. The audience was also an occasion for Rev. Krieger to share CEC Strategic priorities “Together in Hope and Witness” inspired by the biblical premise “You shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

The Holy Father heard intently and encouraged the work of both organisations.  

For more information or an interview, please contact:

Naveen Qayyum
Communication Assistant
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 2 234 68 42
Fax +32 2 231 14 13
E-mail: naveen@cec-kek.be
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope