The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has a new president. Bishop Mariano Crociata, a 70-year-old Italian, was elected during the group’s 2023 assembly held this week in Rome. He is replacing Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg, whose five-year term has ended.

Bishop Crociata is not new to leadership roles within the Catholic Church. From 2008-2013, he served as Secretary General of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, and recently, he has been serving as Vice President of the European bishops.

COMECE represents the Catholic Church in many European institutions, and Bishop Crociata’s election comes at a critical time as the Church faces a range of challenges, including the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration, and secularism.

In a statement following his election, Bishop Crociata expressed his gratitude and said he was “a little overwhelmed” after learning of his new role. He pledged to work to “deepen the Church’s relationship with European institutions and to promote the common good of all people in Europe.”

The role of COMECE is to bring together bishops from across the European Union to discuss issues that affect the Catholic Church and society as a whole. The group also represents the Church’s position to the European Union institutions and works to promote dialogue and collaboration between the Church and European leaders.

The election of Bishop Crociata is seen as a significant moment for the Catholic Church in Europe. His extensive experience and leadership within the Church will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role. It remains to be seen what new initiatives he will bring to COMECE, but his commitment to promoting the common good is a promising sign for the Church and the people of Europe.