Pope Benedict Urges New Evangelisation of Hope in Europe
(18 May 10 – RV) The Presidency of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE)
are currently in Rome to meet with Curia officials and discuss issues facing the Church
in Europe as well as ongoing projects.
On Monday they were received in
private audience by Pope Benedict XVI. A statement released shortly after the audience
said; “The meeting with Pope Benedict XVI was held in a climate of great cordiality.
At first, the Pope recalled his recent trip to Portugal with feelings of emotion and
joy. The discussion then continued focusing on the situation of the Catholic Church
in Europe, on the viability of some local dioceses (especially those in countries
where Catholics are a minority) on the problems which the Church faces, activities
and ongoing CCEE projects to enhance its mission of proclaiming the Gospel in Europe.
The discussion was rich and productive”. After the meeting, Cardinal Péter Erdo,
CCEE President, gave the Pope a copy of the icon "Saints for Europe", a work by the
Deputy Secretary General of CCEE, Don Ferenc Janka, a Hungarian Greek-Catholic priest.
CCEE Secretary-General, Father Duarte da Cunha: