Gintaras Grušas re-elected to lead European bishops’ council

Lithuanian Archbishop Gintaras Grušas has been re-elected for a five-year term as president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), LRT reported.

The presidents of bishops’ conferences from European countries made the decision at the council’s plenary assembly in Salzburg, held from October 27 to 30. The assembly focused on the mission of priests in Europe today, evangelisation and synodality, with presentations, discussions, group work, prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist.

Grušas, who is also president of the Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference, was first elected to lead the CCEE five years ago. He succeeded Italian Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco and became the first Lithuanian bishop to head the council.

The CCEE has 39 members representing the Catholic Church in 45 European countries. Its president and two vice-presidents are elected for five-year terms, which can be renewed.