Pope Francis sends a message to the president of the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament to urge them to be very aware of the responsibility of Christian politicians “to translate the great dream of fraternity into concrete actions of good politics in absolute”. levels”.
By Adriana Masotti
Pope Francis has addressed a message to the president of the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber. The text is dated June 9, the day on which an audience with the EPP parliamentarians was scheduled, but later canceled due to the Pope’s hospitalization.
In his message, the Pope touches on a number of points, such as the responsibility of Christian politicians, the rich heritage of the Church’s social doctrine as a useful guide, the idea of a Europe that can hold unity together and the diversity of cultures, and the need for a higher vision of politics that concretizes the dream of fraternity and respect for each person.
Reduce the gap between citizens and institutions
Recalling his visit to the European Parliament in November 2014, the Pope observed that there has been a certain interest of ordinary people in the European Parliament regarding the first elections of members of the institution, which makes it necessary “to take good care of relationship between citizens and parliamentarians”.
“This is a classic problem of representative democracies. And if it is already difficult to keep the link alive within each country, even more so for the European Parliament, which is even more ‘remote’. At the same time, today’s communication can go a long way in bridging these distances.”
Pope Francis with President Manfred Weber on March 18, 2022
Continued study
A second area is that of pluralism, the Pope explained, and as it is to be expected in a large parliamentary group, there are principles and ethical values that call for unity, and promoting the study and reflection of the members can help.
“It is normal that moments of study and reflection are needed to deepen knowledge and debate the most ethically relevant issues. It is an exciting challenge, which is played mainly at the level of consciousness, also highlighting the qualities of those who are dedicated to politics. The Christian politician must distinguish himself by the seriousness with which he faces problems, rejecting opportunistic solutions and always remaining firm to the criteria of the dignity of the person and the common good”.
The social doctrine of the Church is a useful reference
The Pope has encouraged parliamentarians to draw on the “very rich heritage” of the Church’s social doctrine, as it underlines the two principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, ideas that can help them make a special contribution to European politics.
Inspiration for Europe
The key, then, is to promote a “vision of a Europe that unites unity and diversity”, writes the Pope in his message, a vision that takes into account the variety of cultures and identities of the peoples that make up a very mosaic rich, as reflected in its institutions and initiatives.
“And for that you need a strong inspiration, a ‘soul’, and I like to say you need ‘dreams’. It requires high values and a high political vision… to sustain a Europe that faces the great global challenges of the 21st century.”
President Manfred Weber on Vatican Radio on the occasion of his visit to the Vatican in 2022
Brotherhood expressed in concrete actions
The Pope then reflected on 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, but that seeks to build societies where all can live “fraternally”. and only life. In this sense, fraternity, the great “dream” shared with the whole Church and with all people of good will, writes the Pope, can be “a source of inspiration” to give Europe a new impetus with a vision Of the world.
“I believe that today’s Christian politicians should be recognized for 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 the care of the planet… can only be tackled starting from this great inspiring principle: human brotherhood”.
A united Europe with a vision of the world
In conclusion, the Pope underlines the inspiring principle of the gradual construction of a united Europe, after the tragedies of the wars of the last century. He recalled the ideals of establishing freedom, justice and peace, respecting each other in diversity, and how these principles are questioned in a globalized world, but more relevant than ever for Europe and the entire human family. He encouraged them to remember today’s young people who aspire to these values and want to create a Europe and a world that can live up to their dreams.
