Pope Francis revives the two “great dreams” of the fathers of Europe: “unity and peace”

Dear brothers and sisters, hello and welcome!

I thank the new president and wish him good luck in his service. To Cardinal Hollerich goes my sincere gratitude. Him, who never stops, never! I greet you all and thank you for your work, which is both stimulating and fascinating, provided that you do not get bogged down in bureaucracy and keep your eyes fixed on the horizon, on the values ​​that have inspired the European project . This is why I would like to dwell briefly with you today on two central points, which correspond to the two great “dreams” of the founding fathers of Europe: the dream of the unit and the dream of the peace.

Unity. On this first point, it is essential to specify that European unity cannot be a uniform and homogenizing unity, but that it must on the contrary respect and value the singularities, the particularities of the peoples and cultures which compose it. Let us think of the founding fathers: they belonged to different countries and different cultures: De Gasperi and Spinelli in Italy, Monnet and Schuman in France, Adenauer in Germany, Spaak in Belgium, Beck in Luxembourg, to recall the main ones. The richness of Europe lies in the convergence of different sources of thought and historical experiences. Like a river, it lives on its tributaries. If the tributaries are weakened or blocked, an entire river suffers and loses its strength. The originality of the tributaries. We must respect that: the originality of each country.

This is the first idea to which I draw your attention: Europe has a future if it is really a union and not a reduction of countries with their respective characteristics. The challenge is precisely this: unity in diversity. And it is possible if it is fueled by a strong inspiration; otherwise the apparatus prevails, the technocratic paradigm prevails, but it is not fruitful because it does not excite anyone, it does not attract new generations, it does not involve the living forces of society in the construction of a common project.

We ask ourselves what is the role of Christian inspiration in this challenge. There is no doubt that, in the initial phase, she played a fundamental role, since she animated the hearts and minds of the men and women who embarked on the adventure. Today, many things have changed, of course, but it is nonetheless true that it is men and women who make the difference. This is why the first task of the Church in this area is to form people who, reading the signs of the times, know how to interpret the European project in contemporary history.

And this is where we come to the second point: the peace. Today’s history needs men and women driven by the dream of a united Europe in the service of peace. After the Second World War, Europe experienced the longest period of peace in its history. However, several wars followed one another in the world. In recent decades, some wars have dragged on for years, until today, to such an extent that we can now speak of a Third World War. The war in Ukraine is near and has shaken European peace. Neighboring nations have made every effort to welcome the refugees; all European peoples participate in the effort of solidarity with the Ukrainian people. To this choral response at the level of charity should correspond – but it is clear that it is neither easy nor obvious – a coherent commitment in favor of peace.

This challenge is very complex, since the countries of the European Union are involved in multiple alliances, interests, strategies, a series of forces that are difficult to bring together in a single project. However, one principle should be shared by all with clarity and determination: war cannot and should no longer be considered as a solution to conflicts (1). If the countries of Europe today do not share this ethico-political principle, it means that they have moved away from the original dream. If they share it, they must commit to implementing it, with all the effort and complexity that the historical situation requires, because “war is always a failure of politics and of humanity” (2 ). We must repeat this to politicians.

Comece can and must also make its contribution in terms of values ​​and professionalism to this challenge of peace. You are by nature a “bridge” between the Churches in Europe and the institutions of the Union, and by mission builders of relations, meetings, dialogues. This already contributes to peace. But this is not enough. It also takes prophecy, vision, creativity to advance the cause of peace. This building site needs architects and craftsmen, but I would say that the true builder of peace must be both architect and craftsman. This is also what I wish for each of you, knowing well that each of you has his personal charisms which contribute, with those of the others, to the common work.

My dear ones, I again express my gratitude to you and assure you of my prayers for you and for your service. Today I have focused on these two central points, which are particularly urgent, but I encourage you to continue your work on the side of the Church, as always. May the Blessed Virgin watch over you and support you. I bless you all with all my heart and ask you to pray for me. Thank you.

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