Pope Leo XIV receives bishops from Europe in the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV received the members of the Presidency of the Commission of Episcopal Conferences of the European Union (Eat) in the Vatican on Friday.

The meeting took place at 11:00 (Rome time) on May 23 at the Apostolic Palace and, among other issues, migration, environmental sustainability and artificial intelligence were addressed.

Instead of pronouncing a formal speech before the bishops, the Pope chose to listen carefully to the concerns and proposals of the Church in Europe.

As detailed Vatican Newsduring the meeting, the expense in defense and rearme, as well as the urgency of strengthening social policies and the fight against poverty.

Pope Leo XIV also expressed his concern for the diversion of funds to the arms industry, which harms the most disadvantaged.

Likewise, the members of the ERECE spoke about artificial intelligence, underlining the need for European regulations to consider human dignity, so that the social doctrine of the Church serves as a guide.

The appointment was attended by Mons. Mariano Crociata, president of the Eat; Mons. Bernardito Cleopas Auza, Apostolic Nuncio before the European Union; Mons. Antoine Hérouard, first vice president; Mons. Rimantas Norvila, vice president; Mons. Nuno Brás da Silva Martins, vice president; Mons. Czeslaw Kozon, vice president; Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, general secretary of Comcece and Alessandro Calcagno, deputy secretary.

This hearing marks the first meeting between the Pontiff and the representatives of the European bishops. In addition, it is the first official meeting of Mons. Bernardito Cleopas Auza as Apostolic Nuncio before the European Union, who until March 2022 held the same position in Spain and Andorra.

Although it is not formally member of Eatce, the Nuncio participates in the meetings of the Permanent Committee.

For the bishops of Europe, this meeting offered “the opportunity to reflect on the current state of the European integration process and to discuss the role of the EU in the promotion of peace and integral development in an uncertain world and in rapid transformation.”

The Eat was established in 1980 with the approval of the Holy See to represent the episcopal conferences of the European Union before the institutions of the same.

In addition to dialogue with the institutions, it provides contributions that promote the common good and a approach focused on human being in Europe’s policies.