Pope Francis received
President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, European
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council
President Donald Tusk at the Apostolic Palace on Friday before
the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony in the Vatican.
The prize's executive committee announced that the pope
would be the recipient of the 2016 prize - awarded for work done
in the service of European unification - last December.
It commended the pope's message of "peace and
understanding" as well as "compassion, tolerance, solidarity and
the integrity of creation throughout his pontificate."
"In these times, in which many citizens in Europe seek
orientation, His Holiness Pope Francis sends a message of love
and encouragement," it said in a statement.
Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, German Chancellor Angela
Merkel and King Felipe of Spain will also attend the ceremony.
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