Cardinal Marx congratulates Herman Van Rompuy on being awarded the Charlemagne Prize

COMECE Press 29/05/2014

‘An exemplary passion for Europe’

The President of the German Bishops' Conference and President of COMECE, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, has congratulated the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy on being awarded this year's Charlemagne Prize. Mr Van Rompuy received the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen today.

In a letter to Mr Van Rompuy, Cardinal Marx called the winner of the 2014 Charlemagne Prize as a true mediator of the European Union : "Your commitment to the Union and your passion for Europe are exemplary and encourage in particular young people to participate in the construction of Europe. With your strong integrative power, you motivate us over and over again in keeping up our commitment to Europe, "said Cardinal Marx. Wherever Mr. Van Rompuy comes across "Europe fatigue," he convinces through words and deeds for Europe.

Cardinal Marx stressed in his congratulations the commitment of the President of the European Council to resolving international conflicts. " Europe has a responsibility in the world. Therefore, I support your claim that conflicts in neighbouring regions of the European Union or conflicts in other trouble spots of the world should always be perceived as a pan-European task . They require European solidarity with the international community. I want to personally support this particular claim. "

Europe is a reality and not just a vision, according to Cardinal Marx : "Nevertheless, every day we must continue building this Europe. To this you have committed yourself tirelessly". The German Bishops' Conference and COMECE will continue supporting President Van Rompuy to achieve this aim.


Contact: Johanna Touzel, COMECE Spokesperson and Press Officer

johanna.touzel@comece.eu Tel+32 (0)2 235 05 15

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Vice President of COMECE becomes Cardinal

COMECE is delighted by the nomination as a Cardinal of Reinhard Marx (57), the Archbishop of Munich & Freising. Through the nomination into the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church on 20 November, Pope Benedict XVI honours the action and personality of Archbishop Marx as well as the Diocese of Munich & Freising. Archbishop Marx has been a Member of COMECE since 2006 and became its vice President in 2009.

Mgr Ardrianus van Luyn, President of COMECE, declared:
"We rejoice together with our Vice President, Archbishop Reinhard Marx and we congratulate him for his nomination as a Cardinal. Because of his profound knowledge of the Catholic social teaching and his deep understanding of the social, economical and political situation in the EU, Archbishop Marx is highly appreciated, not only by COMECE but also by the EU Institutions. His contribution to the socio-political reflection of COMECE will gain a new dimension thanks to his nomination as Cardinal. "

Archbishop Marx will attend the next COMECE Plenary Assembly, which will take place in Brussels from 24 to 26 November.

Please contact Johanna Touzel, COMECE Press Officer

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