Mairead McGuinness during Rethinking Europe in 2017. (Photo: COMECE)
PRESS RELEASE // COMECE // The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) congratulates Mairead McGuinness on her appointment as EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union, announced today, Thursday 26 March 2026.
“COMECE knows Ms McGuinness well and has had the privilege of working closely with her during her time as a Member of the European Parliament, including in her capacity as First Vice-President responsible for the implementation of the dialogue with Churches and religious communities, as provided for in Article 17 TFEU,” stated the President of COMECE, H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata.
A former European Commissioner (2020–2024), Ms McGuinness brings extensive political experience and a strong commitment to European values to this role.
COMECE also welcomes the fact that this important position has now been filled after a prolonged vacancy following the end of the previous mandate in late 2024. The appointment follows sustained calls from Members of the European Parliament, Churches, and civil society actors to ensure continuity in this crucial function.
“This role is a key component of the EU’s external action and is essential for advancing the protection and promotion of freedom of religion or belief worldwide,” Mgr Crociata explained.
According to COMECE, the presence of a dedicated Special Envoy is more necessary than ever in today’s global context, marked by increasing discrimination and persecution affecting individuals, religious minorities, and faith communities in many regions, the majority of whom are Christians.
To ensure the effectiveness of the Envoy’s mission and to make full use of Ms McGuinness’s expertise, Mgr Crociata reiterated COMECE’s call to “endow the position, without further delay, with a strong mandate and to provide it with adequate human and financial resources.”
In recent years, COMECE has consistently advocated for the reappointment of the EU Special Envoy and the strengthening of its mandate, including through a letter addressed by the Bishops of the COMECE Assembly to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in October 2025.
COMECE stands ready to continue its constructive cooperation with the newly appointed Special Envoy in promoting and defending freedom of religion or belief worldwide.
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