Peace in Ukraine, the election of Pope Leo XIV, the challenges of contemporary society, the Church’s works of charity – these were some of the main topics that were addressed at the plenary assembly of the Bishops’ Conference of Romania (CER), which took place from 21 to 24 May in Chișinău, Moldova. Although not a member of CER, the bishop of Chișinău regularly participates in the meetings of the Romanian bishops as a guest. This year, to mark the 25th anniversary of his episcopal consecration, Mgr Anton Coșa invited the Romanian bishops to the Diocese of Chișinău.

The opening of the session was also attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to Romania, Mgr Giampiero Gloder, and by the Secretary of State for Religious Affairs of the Romanian Government, Ciprian Olinici. “In union of prayer with Pope Leo XIV and the whole Church, the Catholic bishops fervently implore peace for the neighbouring Ukrainian people and for all the peoples who are experiencing the horror of war”, the final statement reads. During the assembly, the bishops also discussed the reorganisation of CER commissions and offices, pastoral and missionary activities, and events dedicated to Blessed Cardinal Iuliu Hossu and the Holy Year 2025. They also elected Mgr Aurel Percă – Metropolitan Archbishop of Bucharest – as the new President of CER. The next plenary assembly will be hosted by the Eparchy of Cluj-Gherla, in the city of Cluj-Napoca, on 4-6 September. The Romanian Bishops’ Conference brings together the Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic bishops of the Church in Romania.