Zypern: COMECE highlights Ukraine in its final communiqué

The Spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE (the Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union) took place in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, from April 21 to 24. Bishop Stepan Sus represented the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church at this event. This was reported by the Pastoral and Migration Department of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

The Assembly addressed several key contemporary challenges, including the situation in the Middle East and the Holy Land, issues related to pastoral ministry, the protection of human dignity, migration policy, social justice, and the Church's role in promoting peace and solidarity in Europe. Significant attention was given to the need for unity and cooperation among nations amid geopolitical instability.

Bishop Stepan expressed gratitude to COMECE for its ongoing support of Ukraine at the international level and called for continued prayers for peace in Ukraine and worldwide. He stated, "Today, it is crucial not to forget about Ukraine and the struggle the Ukrainian people are facing — not only for their own independence and security but also for that of Europe. Over 4 million Ukrainians reside in Western European countries, predominantly women and children. It is our shared duty to support them and create conditions that ensure they receive proper pastoral and social care."

In the final communiqué, COMECE specifically referenced Ukraine, expressing solidarity with its people and emphasizing the need for ongoing support and efforts to establish a just peace.

The COMECE Spring Plenary Assembly in Nicosia was an important platform for discussing not only internal church matters but also pressing issues facing European society, with Ukraine remaining a focal point. During the working sessions, COMECE participants had the opportunity to meet His Beatitude Archbishop George III of New Justiniana and All Cyprus, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, as well as participate in the Liturgy for the feast of St. George the Great Martyr in the village of Kormakitis (Northern Cyprus), presided over by Archbishop Selim Sfeir of the Maronite Church in Cyprus.

COMECE (the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union) represents the Catholic episcopates of EU member states within the institutions of the European Union. Its mission is to be the voice of the Church in the public sphere of Europe, promoting peace, justice, solidarity, and the protection of human dignity. (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 28. April 2026)