Meeting in Cyprus for their Spring Plenary Assembly, the bishops of the European Union call for renewed diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to end violence in the Middle East and beyond, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for dialogue and reconciliation.
By Linda Bordoni
The bishops of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) have renewed their appeal for peace as violence escalates across the Middle East and in other areas around the world.
In a statement released at the conclusion, last week, of their Spring Plenary Assembly in Nicosia, Cyprus, the bishops expressed solidarity with all those suffering from war, instability and injustice in the Holy Land, Lebanon, Iran and the wider Middle East region.
They also remembered the people of conflict-struck Ukraine and Sudan, along with others across the globe who continue to endure “the evil of war and violence.”
Deep sorrow over human suffering
Lamenting the devastating humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts, the bishops said they are “deeply saddened” by the loss of countless lives, widespread destruction and the suffering of families caught in war.
Against the backdrop of growing instability and violence in regions neighbouring Europe, the bishops recalled the recent words of Pope Leo XIV in his Easter Urbi et Orbi Message:
“Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!” the Pope appealed, “Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!”
Support for Pope Leo’s peace appeals
The COMECE bishops expressed their “full solidarity and communion with the Holy Father,” praising his tireless efforts to encourage world leaders to pursue the path of peace.
They noted that his moral authority is guided not by political interests but by “fidelity to the Gospel and by a courageous witness to the truth.”
Cyprus as a witness to reconciliation
Gathering in Cyprus, a land still marked by division despite its rich cultural and religious heritage, the bishops reflected on the island’s enduring witness to the need for trust-building and reconciliation.
They said they were particularly moved by the presence of Maronite communities in the northern part of the island, whose perseverance contributes to dialogue and helps foster “a culture of encounter.”
Europe’s responsibility for peace
Highlighting the European Union’s origins as “a project of peace,” the bishops stressed that the EU has “a particular responsibility to act as a credible force for peace and an active promoter of stability and dialogue across the Middle East region.”
They urged the EU and its Member States to intensify diplomatic, political and humanitarian engagement in support of peacebuilding efforts, the protection of human dignity, and the defence of international law.
The bishops also called for inclusive peace initiatives in which “the voices of all, including religious communities, are heard and their rights respected.”
Easter hope amid darkness
Concluding their message in the light of the Easter season, the bishops encouraged Christians to persevere in hope and in their vocation to be peacemakers.
“As followers of Christ, we are particularly encouraged in this Easter season… to renew our commitment to be artisans of peace and reconciliation,” they said.
