The official launch of the revised Charta Oecumenica has been postponed following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
The decision to postpone the event, originally scheduled from 26 to 27 April 2025 in Vilnius, Lithuania, was made in consultation with the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), as churches and the world join in mourning the passing of the Pope.
A new date for the launch event will be announced in due course.
Originally signed in 2001 by CEC and CCEE, the Charta Oecumenica has served as a cornerstone of European ecumenical cooperation for over two decades. The revised version seeks to address contemporary challenges and reflect the evolving realities of European society and Christianity.
The revision process, initiated in 2022, was led by a joint CEC-CCEE working group. Input from churches and ecumenical organisations across Europe and beyond has been carefully considered, ensuring the updated text aligns with current ecumenical needs. This collaborative effort aims to produce a document that fosters unity, peace, and joint action among European churches.
The launch event will feature contributions from church leaders and provide an opportunity to celebrate the shared commitment of European churches to work together.
Participation will be by invitation only.