EU Bishops pray for peace in Ypres

European Bishops commemorated all victims of the First World War in a major event held today, 24 October 2018, in the city of Ypres, Belgium, as part of the COMECE Assembly 'Autumn 2018' dedicated to the upcoming European elections.

On the occasion of the centenary of the end of World War I, COMECE bishops urged all persons of good will to work together in the promotion of dialogue - a key element for the European Union as a project of peace - by preserving the diversity of historical memories in Europe.

Their call was made in the symbolic setting of Ypres, scene of some of the most cruel battles of the First World War.

EU Bishops concelebrated Holy Mass at St Martin's Cathedral, attended by hundreds of young people from several countries and local residents.

The commemoration continued with an ecumenical prayer at the St Georges Memorial Church. Before being received by public authorities at the local city hall, Bishops visited the 'In Flanders Fields' Memorial and prayed both at the German Cemetery Studentenfriedhof and at the Commonwealth Cemetery Tyne Cot, where they left floral wreaths to pay tribute to the victims of the war and to commit to a lasting peace in Europe.

The event was organised by COMECE in the context of its autumn Assembly that will take place in Brussels on 25-26 October 2018. Bishops will focus on the May 2019 European elections, and exchange on future EU challenges in dialogue with high-level EU representatives, including Mrs. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Luca Jahier, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, and Mr Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit.