Bioethics
“This bioethics will not begin with a consideration of sickness and death in order to reach an understanding of the meaning of life and the worth of the individual – Pope Francis said. Rather, it will begin with a profound belief in the irrevocable dignity of the human person, as loved by God – the dignity of each person, in every phase and condition of existence – as it seeks out those forms of love and care that are concerned for the vulnerability and frailty of each individual”.
FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi’s full speech at Rimini Meeting 2024
Brussels, 9th September 2024 The following is an English translation of the speech given by FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi at the Rimini Meeting in Italy during the event Family: A Place of Hope on
FAFCE Comment on UN Treaty on Cybercrime
Brussels, 4th September 2024 The United Nations reached an agreement on the Draft convention against cybercrime. Published after the approval of the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee in New York in August, the draft convention
Rimini Meeting hears address by FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi
Brussels, 27th August 2024 FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi gave a speech to the Rimini Meeting last Thursday. The popular conference holds great importance in Italian politics. Entitled Family: A Place of Hope, Bassi participated
FAFCE Summer Newsletter 2024
Brussels, 26th of July 2024 Dear Friends, Today, we celebrate the feast day of Saints Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary. Accordingly, this Sunday is the World Day for Grandparents and the
European Parliament re-elects Von der Leyen as President of European Commission
Brussels, 18th July 2024 Today in Strasbourg, MEPs voted to re-elect Ursula Von der Leyen as the President of the European Commission. She was granted a second term by 401 votes in favour, 284
Metsola elected as President of the European Parliament
Brussels, 17th July 2024 Yesterday the European Parliament elected its President. Roberta Metsola MEP of Malta's Nationalist Party (EPP) was elected to a second term during July's Strasbourg plenary, the last until the summer
United Nations: 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family
Brussels, 3rd July 2024 Last week FAFCE attended an event at the United Nations in Geneva to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. Co-organised by the Permanent Mission of
Council of the EU: Protection of children paramount during armed conflict
Brussels, 2nd July 2024 The Council of the European Union last week adopted an update on its EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict. The Guidelines were first adopted in 2003 and previously updated
European Council publishes Strategic Agenda conclusions, announces Costa as President
Brussels, 2nd July 2024 Last week the European Council adopted its Strategic Agenda for the European Union from 2024 to 2029. FAFCE welcomes the emphasis that the Agenda places on the ecological, digital, and
2024 Synod Report: “It is within the family that we learn we all share the same dignity”
Brussels, 29th October 2024 The Synod Report was published on October 26th. Synthesising the discussions held during the whole month in Rome, the Report features many commentaries relevant to the family and the areas of FAFCE's work. This includes
FAFCE prepares for 2024 Autumn Board Meeting
Brussels, 22nd October 2024 FAFCE's 2024 Autumn Board Meeting will take place on the 5th to 7th November in Brussels. Members and guests will travel from around Europe for the high-level conference (co-hosted by COMECE). Representatives from family associations
PRESS RELEASE FAFCE applauds Italy’s extension of surrogacy ban
Brussels, the 17th of October 2024 On Wednesday the 16th of October, the Italian Senate approved a bill to abolish surrogacy for citizens of Italy. This law comes twenty years after Italy initially banned surrogacy within its borders. This
The Draghi Report and the Demographic Winter – Op-ed by FAFCE’s President Vincenzo Bassi
Brussels, 11th October 2024 NB: Below is an English translation of an opinion piece by FAFCE President, Vincenzo Bassi, in Italian outlet Avvenire published on 27th September 2024. Thanks to the Draghi Report, Europe is now a central topic
Thirty years since first World Meeting of Families; FAFCE to co-organise upcoming Jubilee 2025 conference
Brussels, 8th October 2024 The Dicastery of Laity and Family Life have published a video to mark thirty years since the first World Meeting of Families. Produced in collaboration with Vatican News and Vatican Media, the moving mini-documentary features
Pope Francis visits Belgium
Brussels, 8th October 2024 Last weekend (September 26th to 29th), Pope Francis visited Belgium. Members of our FAFCE office in Brussels participated in public events held throughout the Apostolic visit, which was focused on the Church in Belgium. The