- 29 June, 2025
Vatican City, June 29, 2025 : Pope Leo XIV has expressed firm support for Europe’s Catholic bishops as they navigate challenges of synodality, ecumenical dialogue, and evangelisation across the continent.
On Saturday morning, the Pope welcomed Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), and Cardinal Ladislav Német, its Vice President, at the Vatican. The audience took place shortly before the Pope addressed a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
Speaking afterwards to Vatican Radio, Archbishop Grušas described the encounter as a significant opportunity to present the CCEE’s ongoing work. Central to discussions was the organisation’s commitment to fostering Christian unity.
“We are preparing to sign an updated version of the Charta Oecumenica, which was first signed 25 years ago,” Grušas said. The document will serve as a renewed framework for cooperation among Christian communities, especially in Europe.
The Pope, he noted, encouraged the bishops to persist in their efforts, particularly in the context of the Synod. Grušas acknowledged the challenges posed by Europe’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape but stressed the importance of collaboration. “The Holy Father expressed his support for us and urged us to continue on this mission,” he said.
Turning to global concerns, Archbishop Grušas highlighted ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, referring specifically to the war in Ukraine and President Putin’s ambitions, which he described as a source of “preoccupation.” He echoed the Pope’s call for peace and prioritising aid for the poor over military spending. “We continue to pray for peace,” he said, calling war a “call to prayer” and diplomacy.
Cardinal Német, meanwhile, reflected on recent remarks by Pope Leo XIV, who, during an address to ROACO, condemned the notion that peace depends on rearmament. “These are beautiful words that I fully subscribe to,” Német said. “A false opinion has spread that without armaments we cannot live, that rearmament is the only solution for peace. This is not true.”
He lamented the huge sums earmarked for weapons, contrasting them with widespread suffering due to lack of essential services. “So many people are dying because of the lack of medicine, schools, water and other necessary things,” he said. He also pointed to the harm caused by the suspension of aid from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), warning that many schools could close, leaving children without education or support.
Despite challenges, Cardinal Német offered an optimistic view of faith in Europe. “We are in a very nice situation,” he said, dismissing overly bleak portrayals. While some regions face declining participation, he noted “a surge of religious feelings among younger generations,” particularly in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe.
He praised the vitality of Orthodox communities and underscored the value of mutual learning. “We learn from the Orthodox,” he said. Looking ahead, Cardinal Német urged a courageous yet inclusive approach to evangelisation. “We must be more courageous in speaking clearly about Jesus,” he said, “but avoiding isolation, fundamentalism, and exclusiveness.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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