A strong Europe that promotes peace and a united Church “are interdependent”. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop Emeritus of Vienna, said this ahead of the plenary assembly of the bishops of the Catholic Eastern Churches of Europe. The meeting will start in Vienna tonight and will last until Thursday. The bishops will meet in the federal capital at the invitation of Cardinal Schönborn. The focus of attention in Vienna will be on how a united Church can help strengthen Europe and foster commitment to peace and reconciliation, Card. Schönborn explained in his welcome address to the assembly. This topic is also dear to Pope Leo XIV’s heart. “We are invited”, Card. Schönborn said, “to increasingly promote the desire for unity in our appreciation of diversity, especially in times of political, social and societal tensions and divisions in Europe”. In the coming days, it is important for us to pray together, exchange views and reflect. “May these moments deepen our communion, guide us on our common journey in a spirit of synodality, and inspire visions of peace and reconciliation, which our Church and our world so urgently need”, Card. Schönborn said. The Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, also recognised how important Catholic Eastern Churches are for Austria and Europe. In his welcome address to the plenary assembly, Van der Bellen wrote that the Eastern Churches, in their diversity, are an enrichment, and thanked them for their commitment “to a Europe united in peace and diversity”.