Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
St Gallen (Agenzia Fides) – Satisfaction was expressed by Card. Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, President of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE), about the verdict from the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in the Lautsi .v. Italy case about the displaying of crucifixes in state schools in Italy. The ruling, which overturned the verdict of the previously adopted ruling, is defined by Card. Erdő as “a sign of common sense, wisdom and freedom”.
The CCEE's declaration, received by Fides, says: “Today a page of history has been written. New hope has been given not just to Christians, but to all European citizens, believers and secularists, who were deeply offended by the ruling of 3 November 2009 and concerned at procedures tending to shatter a great culture and tradition like Christianity and undermine its own identity.
To consider the presence of the crucifix in a public space to be against human rights would be to deny the very idea of Europe. Without the crucifix, the Europe we know today would not exist. Therefore the verdict is above all a victory for Europe.”
Cardinal Erdő concludes by saying, “I am convinced today’s verdict will contribute to the trust placed in the Court and in the European institutions by many European citizens. In this verdict, the judges have recognised that the culture of human rights of course must not exclude Christian civilisation.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 21/03/2011)
