The European Union
continues to be a guarantee for development and opportunities
for peace, Pope Francis said Thursday.
"The European project continues to be a fundamental guarantee
of development for those who are members of it, and an
opportunity for peace, after turbulent conflicts and
lacerations, for those countries who are aiming to join it,"
Francis said.
The pope voiced the hope that the EU "should not lose,
therefore, the sense of solidarity that for centuries has
characterised it, also in the most difficult moments of its
history.
"May it not lose that spirit which is rooted, among other
things, in Roman 'pietas' and Christian charity, which well
describe the soul of European peoples".
"Since the first years," the pope said, "the Holy See has
looked with interest to the European project, and this year
marks the 50th anniversary of the Holy See's presence at the
Council of Europe, as well as the establishment of diplomatic
relations with the then European Communities".
"This is an interest that means to underscore an idea of
inclusive construction, animated by a participatory and
solidarity-based spirit, able to make Europe an example of
welcoming and social equity reflecting those common values that
underlie it.
"The fire at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris showed how
fragile and easy it is to destroy even that which seems solid.
"The damage suffered by a building, not only dear to
Catholics but significant for the whole of France and the whole
of humanity, rekindled the issue of the historical and cultural
values of Europe and the roots it is founded on.
"In a context in which reference values are lacking, it
becomes easier to find elements of division rather than those of
cohesion.
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