Pope Francis has addressed a message to the president of the European People’s Party (EPP) group at the European Parliament, Manfred Weber. The text carries the date of 9 June, the day when an audience with the EPP parliamentarians was scheduled, but later cancelled due to the Pope’s hospitalisation.
In his message, the Pope touched on a number of points, including the responsibility of Christian politicians, the rich heritage of the Church’s social doctrine as a helpful guide, the idea of a Europe that can hold together unity and diversity of cultures, and the need for a higher vision in politics that brings to concrete reality the dream of fraternity and respect for every person.
Continuing study
A second area for consideration is pluralism, the Pope explained, and while this is to be expected in a large parliamentary group, there are certain principles and ethical values that call for unity. Promoting study and reflection for members can help in this regard, he said:
“It is normal that there is a need for moments of study and reflection to deepen knowledge and discuss the most ethically relevant issues. This is an exciting challenge, which is played out above all at the level of conscience, also highlighting the qualities of those who are engaged in politics. The Christian politician should be distinguished by the seriousness with which issues are faced, rejecting opportunistic solutions and always holding firm to the criteria of the dignity of the person and the common good.”
Church’s social doctrine a helpful reference
The Pope encouraged the parliamentarians to draw on the “very rich heritage” of the Church’s social doctrine, as it underscores the two principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, ideas that can assist them in offering a special contribution to European politics.
Inspiration for Europe
Promoting a “vision of a Europe that holds unity and diversity together,” the Pope writes in his message, is key. This involves a vision that takes into account the variety of cultures and identities of peoples that make up a very rich mosaic, as reflected in its institutions and initiatives.
“And for this, it takes a strong inspiration, a ‘soul’; and I like to say it takes ‘dreams.’ It requires high values, and a high political vision…to sustain a Europe facing the great global challenges of the 21st century.”
Fraternity expressed in concrete actions
The Pope then turned his thoughts to the legacy of the founding fathers of European unity and their call to go beyond the idea of a political organization that looks exclusively at protecting national interests, to one that aims to build societies where all can live a “fraternal and just” life. In this sense, fraternity, the great “dream” shared with the whole Church and all people of good will, the Pope writes, can be “a source of inspiration” to give new impetus to Europe with a global view in mind.
“I believe that Christian politicians today should be recognized by their ability to translate the great dream of fraternity into concrete actions of good politics at all levels: local, national, international. For example: challenges such as migration, or caring for the planet…can only be addressed starting from this great inspiring principle: human fraternity.”
A united Europe with a world view
In conclusion, the Pope underscored the inspiring principle of a gradual building up of a united Europe, following the tragedies of the wars of the last century. He recalled the ideals of establishing freedom, justice, and peace, and respecting each other in diversity; and how these principles are challenged in a globalized world, but are more relevant than ever for Europe and the entire human family. He encouraged them to remember young people today who aspire to these values and wish to create a Europe and world that can live up to their dreams.
