Under the central theme ‘Called to peace’, Sister Nicole Grochowina (Christusbruderschaft Selbitz) offered some food for thought. Referring to the words of the former President of the European Commission, Jacques Delors, she emphasised that integration requires much more than just laws and the economy: it needs inspiration, love and values – in a word, a true ‘soul’. Referring to the theologian and sociologist Tomáš Halík, she also demonstrated how the Christian faith, through the ‘Easter paradox’ – the transition from death to resurrection, from crisis to its resolution – can provide a solid foundation for European unity.

The next steps

TfE’s calendar is packed with events. A further visit to the European Parliament in Brussels is scheduled for May 2027. From 21 to 23 October 2027, the annual ‘Friends’ Meeting’ will take place in Poland. A particularly significant event is scheduled to take place in Italy in May 2028: from 4 to 6 May, around 800 people will gather in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, and will also organise a public event in the capital. What makes this initiative unique is the simultaneous involvement of the whole of Europe via digital hubs linked via live stream.

To turn these plans into reality, working groups focusing on the various organisational areas – programme, communications, logistics, technology and music – were set up during the meeting in Würzburg. One participant summed up the atmosphere of the meeting as follows: “For us, today, right here, the countdown to Rome 2028 has begun!”

New initiatives

More than a dozen young adults have brought fresh energy and concrete initiatives to Würzburg. These include the Intergenerational Pact – a commitment to collaboration between young people and political representatives, which has already been presented to MEPs in Brussels – and a draft ‘Ecumenical Passport’. This latest project has been further developed in Würzburg through an intergenerational collaboration. The aim is to create a Europe-wide network of people from different faiths, promoting dialogue, mutual respect and solidarity.

Peacemakers

On the 1,711th day since the start of the war in Ukraine, the network went live with three people directly affected by the conflict, in Kyiv and Uzhhorod. Their message was particularly moving: “We cannot change the situation, but we know that peace begins, in practical terms, with each and every one of us, in our daily lives: through listening, offering comfort and providing humanitarian aid.” The audience, deeply moved, responded with a standing ovation. On Friday evening, this yearning for peace found expression in a solemn prayer service for peace at the Marienkapelle in Würzburg, led by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Ulrich Boom, Dean Dr Wenrich Slenczka and parish priest Matthias Leineweber. With the subsequent renewal of the ‘Pact of Mutual Love’ by all those present, it became clear once again this year that our shared faith provides support that transcends all differences and makes Jesus’ promise a reality: ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name’ (Mt 18:20).

A generational change in the Steering Committee

The network is also undergoing a profound renewal in terms of responsibilities and personnel. The Core Team, comprising three members and established in April 2026, has officially been introduced: Sister Nicole Grochowina (Christusbruderschaft Selbitz), Matthias Bühlmann (Vineyard DACH) and Father Raffael Rieger (Schönstatt) have taken on the role of chairing the International Steering Committee. Maria Wienken is the new General Secretary, supported by Elisabeth Danner (both from the Focolare Movement). Cesara Perian (Focolare Movement, Romania) and Ľuboš Jančík (Ecumenical Network of Communities ENC, Slovakia) have also joined the International Steering Committee. Long-standing contributors Gerhard Pross (YMCA Esslingen), Thomas Römer and Walter Kriechbaum (both from the YMCA Munich), Diego Goller and Ilona Toth (both from the Focolare Movement) have officially and confidently passed the baton to the next generation.

Photo: Anton Lilek / To view the photo enlarged, click directly on the image.