Taizé • Press release | Friday 19 August 2022

The international meetings have resumed their course in Taizé after two years marked by the pandemic. Since Easter, more than 20,000 young people have come to take part week after week in the activities offered: community prayer, sharing in small groups, workshops for reflection, practical tasks.

The end of the summer will be marked by an exceptional visit: Mrs Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will be in Taizé on Saturday 27 August. During her visit, she will meet with the community and dialogue with young people present in Taizé that week. She will give a public lecture on European affairs at 5:30 pm. It will be possible to attend this conference by registering in advance. (Update: This possibility is now closed. You can of course follow the conference online.)

During this special week for young adults from 18 to 35 years old, other speakers will lead workshops, among them experts in various fields, scientists, political leaders—the full program will be published on the website. A special program on saving biodiversity will be offered for those who wish to attend.

Brother Alois reacts: “Our desire as a community is that all the young people who come to Taizé may feel that trust in God helps them to find meaning in their lives and to assume responsibilities when they return home. Ursula von der Leyen’s visit is an important moment, which indicates that the aspirations and commitments of the younger generation are being heard and taken into account by political leaders and institutions. In this respect, this visit, in the serious crises of the present time, will be a sign of hope.”

Some news in brief :

• • This Saturday, August 20, as part of the "week of witness to the Orthodox faith", a special day will take place in Taizé: Metropolitan Dimitrios will come from Paris to celebrate the divine liturgy at 9 am, in the Church of Reconciliation.

• • The next European meeting will take place from December 28 to January 1, 2023 in Rostock, in the north of Germany, on the shores of the Baltic Sea..

• • The evening prayer continues to be broadcast live each day in audio on the Taizé website, and the Saturday evening prayer in live video.

Media Accreditation

To follow Ursula von der Leyen’s conference as a journalist or photographer, it is necessary to request an accreditation via this online form .

To obtain photos of the summer in Taizé, or to request an interview with brothers or volunteers, write to us at media taize.fr.