“May the Church in Europe become ever more an ‘outgoing Church’, a joyful herald of the Gospel of mercy and a witness to hope”. Pope Francis addressed this invitation to the European Churches in a message he sent today to Card. Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and CCEE President, which was read out at the opening of the Plenary Assembly of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE). The Assembly, that is being held in Monaco from today until Sunday, 9 October, brings together the representatives of the Churches present in Europe, 50 bishops and 9 cardinals. In his message, Pope Francis expressed his “deep appreciation for the significant contribution the CCEE is making to the promotion of fraternal and ecclesial relations which show the importance of communion and the joy of faith”. He added: “I encourage you to continue with faith on the path of service to the peoples of the Continent, promoting ‘both lungs’, the Eastern lung and the Western lung. May you enlighten the consciences of believers, offering them criteria for judgement and discernment so that they are not led astray by a worldly culture”. For three days, the bishops will discuss the challenges facing Europe today, the mission of the Church, and the work of the CCEE, which in 2016 has celebrated its 45th anniversary. Other items on the plenary agenda are the presentation of a Report by the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe; the challenges for the Church in other continents; and dialogue with the Orthodox. Tonight, the bishops will be received by Prince Albert II and other local authorities. Tomorrow they will travel to Nice where they will hold a moment of silence for the victims of July 14 on the Promenade des Anglais. This year’s Plenary is of great significance: as Card. Erdő’s term as president is coming to an end, there will be a special closed-door session on Saturday in which the bishops will elect the new Presidency as well as the delegates for the CCEE-CEC Joint Committee (dialogue with other Christian Churches in Europe) and for the CCEE-SECAM Commission (African bishops). In his message Pope Francis also thanked Card. Erdő for “the great commitment he has shown over the past ten years at the helm” of the CCEE. “He served with meekness and far-sightedness – the message reads – putting evangelical charity above all else”.