Pope Francis said after
receiving the Charlemagne Prize Friday that Europe's desire for
unity seemed to be "going out" like a light, but there should be
no "resignation" that this should happen. He also said he had
spoken in the past about a Europe "of grandparents" because the
old continent seems to "tired and aged", entrenching itself
instead of promoting "new social dynamism". Francis said Europe
should "rediscover" the plans for solidarity of its founding
fathers, and, in a world that is being "torn apart", return to
the "concrete generosity" of the postwar period. The whole of
Europe, he said, must not "shut itself away in unilateralism but
instead should "overcome the desire for closure". European
identity has always been "dynamic and multicultural", he said,
calling on leaders to "promote integration founded on
solidarity". Dialogue with immigrants should be encouraged. A
social-market economy should be fostered and corruption and
speculation fought, the pope said. Europe is "inclusive if it
creates jobs, especially for young people", he said. The
Catholic Church, Francis said, should contribute towards the
"rebirth" of a "tired" Europe.
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