Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - “It is unthinkable to create an authentic 'common European home' while ignoring the identity of the people of our continent. ... An identity that is historical, cultural and moral, more even than geographical, economic or political; an identity made up of a collection of universal values which Christianity helped to forge, thus acquiring a role that is not only historical but foundational for the continent of Europe.” These values which constitute the soul of the Continent, must remain in the Europe of the third millennium as ‘leaven’ of civilisation.” On Saturday 24 March Benedict XVI received cardinals, bishops, parliamentarians and other participants in a congress promoted by the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE). The event was held to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome on March 25, 1957. “If on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome the governments of the Union wish to ‘approach’ their citizens
"If, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, the governments of the EU wish to 'get closer' to their citizens - the Pope continued - how can they exclude such an essential element of European identity as Christianity, in which a vast majority of that people continue to identify themselves? Is it not surprising that modern Europe, while seeking to present itself as a community of values, seems ever more frequently to question the very existence of universal and absolute values? And does this singular form of 'apostasy' - from oneself even more than from God - not perhaps induce Europe to doubt its own identity?”
Tracing the development of Europe in the past fifty years, Pope Benedict XVI recalled “reconciliation between the two ‘lungs ’ - East and West - united by a common history” and “the need to established a healthy balance between the economic and social dimensions”. “From the demographic point of view sadly Europe appears set on a path which could lead to its exit from history. Besides threatening economic growth, this can also undermine social harmony and above all foster dangerous individualism, with no regard for future consequences. One might almost think that the Continent of Europe is losing confidence in its future”. The Pope said “solidarity is fostered with difficulty , not only in the international ambit but also in the strictly national field”.
“A community which builds itself without respecting the authentic dignity of the human person, forgetting that every person is created in the image of God, does no good to anyone - the Pontiff continued -. "For this reason it is becoming ever more indispensable for Europe to avoid the pragmatic approach, so widespread today, that systematically justifies compromise on essential human values, as if the acceptance of a supposedly lesser evil were inevitable… When such pragmatism involves laical and relativist trends and tendencies, Christians end up being denied the right to participate as Christians in public debate or, at the least, their contribution is disqualified with the accusation of seeking to protect unjustified privileges”. Benedict XVI went on to affirm that at this moment in history the European Union, "in order to be a valid guarantor of the State of law and an effective promoter of universal values, must clearly recognize the definite existence of a stable and permanent human nature." This nature is "the source of rights shared by all individuals, including the very people who seek to deny them. In such a context protection must be afforded to objection of conscience” in cases where “fundamental human rights are violated.”
Pope Benedict XVI said "I know how difficult it is for Christians to defend this truth ... But do not tire and do not be discouraged! You know your task is to contribute to building, with God's help, a new Europe, realistic but not cynical, rich in ideals and free of naive illusions, inspired by the perennial and life-giving truth of the Gospel… I am certain God will not fail to bless generous efforts of those who in a spirit of service work to build a common house of Europe where cultural, social and political contributions aim for the common good”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2007 - righe 47, parole 648)
