“Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is an inalienable human right. It is enshrined in Article 10 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, itself a cornerstone of human dignity and a litmus test for human rights”. The Bishops of the European Union (COMECE) ended their Autumn Assembly, held in Brussels from 1st to 3rd October, with a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, asking her to reinstate a Special Envoy of the EU for Freedom of Religion or Belief Outside the EU”. “Freedom of thought, conscience and religion makes for peaceful and pluralistic societies – the document sent to the media today says – yet it remains under severe threat in many regions across the globe”. The text goes on: “As Catholic Bishops we witness with growing dismay the discrimination and persecution faced by individuals, religious minorities, and communities of faith – the majority of whom are Christians – who are targeted for their beliefs. We encounter daily the profound impact of religious persecution on individuals, families, and entire societies”.