Churches become official dialogue partners for the EU
Today, Dec 1, 2009, the Lisbon Treaty enters into force. In addition to institutional reform, it introduces into EU primary law an article of notable importance for churches and religious societies. By means of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, it recognizes the specific contribution of churches and engages on this basis an "open, transparent and regular" dialogue with them.
Schedule of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land
The Press Office of the Holy See has released today (Mar 26, 2009) program of the 12th apostolic voyage of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Jordan, Israel and Palestinian Authority. The Pope will meet religious and civil authorities, celebrate several masses for the public and visit the holy places of Christians, Jews and Muslims.
Bishops of EU call to European elections
Bishops of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) met at their plenary assembly on Mar 18-20, 2009 in Brussels. During a three-day meeting they spoke about Middle East conflict, released a declaration concerning the elections to the European Parliament and received several guests, among them Czech vice-prime minister Alexandr Vondra.
Program of the apostolic voyage of Pope Benedict XVI to Africa
On Mar 17-23, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI will visit African countries Cameron and Angola. He is scheduled to meet politicians, representatives of civic life, bishops, priests and religious, young people as well as representatives of Muslim community.
Pope's congratulation to new US president Barack Obama
Few hours before Barack Obama takes his office of the new US president, he received a telegram sent by Pope Benedict XVI. The Holy Father congratulates the new president and assures him of his prayer for Obama as well as the entire American nation.
New secretary general for the EU episcopal conferences' council
Father Piotr Mazurkiewicz, professor of political sciences in Warsaw, has been appointed new secretary general of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). He succeeds Msgr Noel Treanor, who was appointed bishop of the diocese Down and Connor in the Northern Ireland in February 2008.
Melbourne welcomed 220 young people from the Czech Republic
220 people from the Czech Republic attend the World Youth Day in Sydney these days, Jul 15-20, 2008. Preceding to the international event was a program in several dioceses, pilgrims from the Czech Republic were invited to visit the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Three Czech personally meeting the Holy Father during WYD
During the WYD celebration, three young people from the Czech Republic are involved in a special manner. Two of them, Marie Stepanova and Filip Landa, are members of the International Liturgy Group (ILG) that consists of 155 people from all over the world, is close to the Holy Father and helps with liturgical service. The third representant of the Czech Republic is Vaclav Rylko. Each of them has a very special role. Who are these young people?
Detailed schedule of papal trip to France
On Sep 12-15, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI will visit France. In Paris, he will meet President Nicolas Sarkozy and other politicians, young people, religious and priests. He will then travel to Lourdes to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the apparition of Virgin Mary and preside over the Mass with the sick people.
Detailed schedule of papal trip to Australia
Pope Benedict XVI will make his 9th apostolic trip to Australia on 12-21 Jul 2008. He will celebrate the World Youth Day and meet Aborigines and representatives of Christian Churches and other religions.
