Nicosia28. The European Union and its Member States continue «to act unitedly and with determination, intensifying their diplomatic, political and humanitarian commitment to protect human dignity, uphold international law and support inclusive peacebuilding initiatives, ensuring that the voices of all, including religious communities, are heard and their rights respected». This is the exhortation of Comece (Commission of the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union), released at the conclusion of the spring plenary assembly, held in Cyprus from 22 to 24 April. The delegated prelates, in the declaration entitled An urgent appeal to seek peace and pursue itexpressed their strong concern for the fate of “all those suffering from devastating violence, instability and injustice in the Holy Land, Lebanon, Iran and the broader Middle East region.” The bishops turned their thoughts to other geographical areas affected by wars that have continued for several years. «We carry in our hearts and minds in a special way Ukraine, Sudan, as well as other parts of the world that suffer the evil of war and violence. We are deeply saddened by these tragedies – reads the statement – which cause the loss of countless human lives, widespread destruction and humanitarian crises affecting many families”.
From Cyprus, a land characterized by a rich cultural and religious heritage, but also by a history that continues to bear the wounds of division, «we are reminded of the importance of constant efforts towards building trust and reconciliation. We were deeply moved by the testimony of the Maronite communities in the northern part of the island, whose continued presence is important for promoting dialogue and contributing to a culture of encounter.”
Comece recalled that the Mediterranean is one of the founding dimensions of European identity, underlining that it should receive greater attention from the EU and be shaped “not by distrust and comparison, but by policies that promote meeting, dialogue, reconciliation, development and peace”. He then called on the EU to play a greater role in the field of diplomacy and negotiations. «The European Union – underlined the bishops – born as a peace project, has the particular responsibility to act as a credible force for peace and an active promoter of stability and dialogue throughout the Middle Eastern region, while contributing to maritime and energy security and nuclear non-proliferation efforts as part of a global peace process. At the same time – they added – the EU is called to exercise solidarity with the Member States affected by regional instability and to respond adequately to the repercussions of these conflicts within European societies, in particular with regard to the promotion of social cohesion and the management of the increase in the cost of living”.
In Nicosia, in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, the prelates had the opportunity to dialogue with the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, with whom they spoke about the main challenges that Cyprus is facing, such as the persistent division of the island, access to Christian places of worship and the protection of cultural heritage.
