“I believe the hour has come to deeply commit ourselves to open the way of the Church to renewal and reform.”

Bishop Noel Treanor addresses autumn plenary assembly of the 27 bishops’ conferences of COMECE in Brussels on the possible impact of the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

“At this time, our spirit is once more shaken by the sad news relating to the deplorable acts of terrorism and violence which have caused suffering and death.”

COMECE president says the decision of the British electorate confronts the European Union and its Member States with questions about their goals and their tasks.

"Let us pray that there can be an end to such terror attacks and hope for a future in which peace and security will prevail over violence & loss of human life."

Peace and security policies were at the centre of the debate of the spring plenary assembly of COMECE's bishops in Brussels.

President of the German bishops’ conference says the problem of Catholics who are divorced and remarried must be addressed by the synod.

22% rise on the departure of 178,805 Catholics in 2013. Only 2,809 entered the Church in 2014 and 6,314 were readmitted.

“The fact that we owe our freedom to others means that this commemoration brings us face to face with our own responsibilities. Freedom and responsibility are inseparable.”

“Pope is acknowledging unique significance of European institutions in life of our continent" - COMECE President.

Limburg bishop's €31m renovation programme on his residence blamed for exodus.

Church inquiry concludes that Bishop Terbartz-van Elst should not continue in office.

Council is now operational and its first meeting is scheduled for May.