Pope Francis says "...with God's help. May the Gospel be your guiding star and the social doctrine your compass." Message to European Parliament from Hospital
MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE'S PARTY
IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen!
I am pleased to extend a cordial greeting to you, members of the Group of the People's Party in the European Parliament, an institution I visited in November 2014, and I take this opportunity to share some reflections with you.
The first: you are parliamentarians, therefore you are representatives of the citizens who have entrusted you with a mandate. When there were the first elections to the European Parliament, people became interested, it was something new, an important step forward in the construction of a united Europe. But, as always, as time passes the interest diminishes; and then it is necessary to take good care of the relationship between citizens and parliamentarians. This is a classic problem of representative democracies. And if it is already difficult to keep the bond alive within each country, even more so for the European Parliament, which is even more "far away". But on the other hand today communication can help a lot to overcome distances.
A second starting point: pluralism. It is clear that a large parliamentary group must provide for a certain internal pluralism. However, on some issues in which primary ethical values and important points of Christian social doctrine are at stake, we need to be united. This seems to me to be a particularly interesting aspect, because it asks us to think about the permanent training of parliamentarians. It is normal that you too need moments of study and reflection in which to deepen and discuss the most ethically relevant issues. It is an exciting challenge, which is played out above all at the level of conscience, and which also highlights the quality of those who play politics. Christian politicians should be distinguished by the seriousness with which they address issues, rejecting opportunistic solutions and always holding fast to the criteria of the dignity of the person and the common good.
In this regard, you have a very rich patrimony on which to draw in order to make your original contribution to European politics, that is, the social doctrine of the Church. Let us think, for example, of the two principles of solidarity and subsidiarity and their virtuous dynamics. There are ethical-political aspects, linked to each of these two principles, which you share with colleagues of different affiliations, who respectively emphasize one or the other; but the interweaving of the two, the fact of activating them together and making them work in a complementary way, this is proper to social and economic thought of Christian inspiration, and therefore is entrusted particularly to your responsibility.
Another aspect that has analogy with this: the vision of a Europe that holds unity and diversity together. This is crucial; I recently had the opportunity to underline this in my visit to Hungary. A Europe that fully values the different cultures that make it up, its enormous wealth of traditions, languages, identities, which are those of its peoples and their histories; and that at the same time it is capable, with its institutions and its political and cultural initiatives, of ensuring that this very rich mosaic composes coherent figures.
And for this we need a strong inspiration, a "soul", I like to say that we need "dreams". We need high values, and a high political vision. With this I do not intend to diminish the importance of ordinary management, of good normal administration, on the contrary, if this is good it is already a great deal. But that is not enough, it is not enough to support a Europe that is faced with the great global challenges of the 21st century. To face such challenges as a united Europe, it takes a high and strong inspiration. And you, I would like to say, should be the first to treasure the examples and teachings of the founding fathers of this Europe. The original bet, which may also be the current bet, is to aim not only for an organization that protects the interests of European nations, but for a union where everyone can live a life "on a human scale, brotherly and just" ». [1]
I would like to highlight this term: fraternal. As you know, fraternity and social friendship is the great "dream" that I have shared with the whole Church and all men and women of good will (cf. Enc. Fratelli tutti, 8). I think that fraternity can also be a source of inspiration for those who want to re-animate Europe today, so that it fully responds to the expectations of both its peoples and the whole world. Because a European project today can only be a global project. I believe that Christian politicians today should be recognized by 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 that of migration, or that of caring for the planet, it seems to me that they can only be faced starting from this great inspiring principle: human fraternity.
Dear friends, let us remember our origins: let us not forget how united Europe was born; let us not forget the tragedy of the wars of the 20th century. What inspired the gradual and patient work of building a united Europe, first in particular and then increasingly general areas? What ideal, if not that of generating a space where one could live in freedom, justice and peace, respecting each other in diversity? Today this project is put to the test in a globalized world, but it can be relaunched by drawing on the original inspiration, which is more relevant than ever and fruitful not only for Europe but for the entire human family.
And I would like to conclude with a final observation: who are the ones who experience the most in a united Europe? You teach me: they are young people. Today, periods of study abroad begin early; then, for the university, especially the specializations, the horizon is European; and so on for job search... I'm not referring to the sad need, which unfortunately exists, to go elsewhere due to the lack of opportunities at home; no, but to the fact that it is now normal for young people, for example, to do the first part of their studies in their own country and specialize in another. A bit like what happened in the Middle Ages: we studied a little in Padua, a little in Paris, a little in Oxford or Heidelberg… Let's look at them, at the young people, and think of a Europe and a world that are height of their dreams.
For this reason I encourage you to go forward with courage and hope, with God's help. May the Gospel be your guiding star and the social doctrine your compass. I heartily bless all of you and your loved ones. And I ask you please to pray for me. Thank you.
Rome, "Gemelli" Polyclinic, 9 June 2023
[1] P.H. Spaak, Speech given on the occasion of the signing of the Treaties of Rome, 25 March 1957
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE'S PARTY
IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen!
I am pleased to extend a cordial greeting to you, members of the Group of the People's Party in the European Parliament, an institution I visited in November 2014, and I take this opportunity to share some reflections with you.
The first: you are parliamentarians, therefore you are representatives of the citizens who have entrusted you with a mandate. When there were the first elections to the European Parliament, people became interested, it was something new, an important step forward in the construction of a united Europe. But, as always, as time passes the interest diminishes; and then it is necessary to take good care of the relationship between citizens and parliamentarians. This is a classic problem of representative democracies. And if it is already difficult to keep the bond alive within each country, even more so for the European Parliament, which is even more "far away". But on the other hand today communication can help a lot to overcome distances.
A second starting point: pluralism. It is clear that a large parliamentary group must provide for a certain internal pluralism. However, on some issues in which primary ethical values and important points of Christian social doctrine are at stake, we need to be united. This seems to me to be a particularly interesting aspect, because it asks us to think about the permanent training of parliamentarians. It is normal that you too need moments of study and reflection in which to deepen and discuss the most ethically relevant issues. It is an exciting challenge, which is played out above all at the level of conscience, and which also highlights the quality of those who play politics. Christian politicians should be distinguished by the seriousness with which they address issues, rejecting opportunistic solutions and always holding fast to the criteria of the dignity of the person and the common good.
In this regard, you have a very rich patrimony on which to draw in order to make your original contribution to European politics, that is, the social doctrine of the Church. Let us think, for example, of the two principles of solidarity and subsidiarity and their virtuous dynamics. There are ethical-political aspects, linked to each of these two principles, which you share with colleagues of different affiliations, who respectively emphasize one or the other; but the interweaving of the two, the fact of activating them together and making them work in a complementary way, this is proper to social and economic thought of Christian inspiration, and therefore is entrusted particularly to your responsibility.
Another aspect that has analogy with this: the vision of a Europe that holds unity and diversity together. This is crucial; I recently had the opportunity to underline this in my visit to Hungary. A Europe that fully values the different cultures that make it up, its enormous wealth of traditions, languages, identities, which are those of its peoples and their histories; and that at the same time it is capable, with its institutions and its political and cultural initiatives, of ensuring that this very rich mosaic composes coherent figures.
And for this we need a strong inspiration, a "soul", I like to say that we need "dreams". We need high values, and a high political vision. With this I do not intend to diminish the importance of ordinary management, of good normal administration, on the contrary, if this is good it is already a great deal. But that is not enough, it is not enough to support a Europe that is faced with the great global challenges of the 21st century. To face such challenges as a united Europe, it takes a high and strong inspiration. And you, I would like to say, should be the first to treasure the examples and teachings of the founding fathers of this Europe. The original bet, which may also be the current bet, is to aim not only for an organization that protects the interests of European nations, but for a union where everyone can live a life "on a human scale, brotherly and just" ». [1]
I would like to highlight this term: fraternal. As you know, fraternity and social friendship is the great "dream" that I have shared with the whole Church and all men and women of good will (cf. Enc. Fratelli tutti, 8). I think that fraternity can also be a source of inspiration for those who want to re-animate Europe today, so that it fully responds to the expectations of both its peoples and the whole world. Because a European project today can only be a global project. I believe that Christian politicians today should be recognized by 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 that of migration, or that of caring for the planet, it seems to me that they can only be faced starting from this great inspiring principle: human fraternity.
Dear friends, let us remember our origins: let us not forget how united Europe was born; let us not forget the tragedy of the wars of the 20th century. What inspired the gradual and patient work of building a united Europe, first in particular and then increasingly general areas? What ideal, if not that of generating a space where one could live in freedom, justice and peace, respecting each other in diversity? Today this project is put to the test in a globalized world, but it can be relaunched by drawing on the original inspiration, which is more relevant than ever and fruitful not only for Europe but for the entire human family.
And I would like to conclude with a final observation: who are the ones who experience the most in a united Europe? You teach me: they are young people. Today, periods of study abroad begin early; then, for the university, especially the specializations, the horizon is European; and so on for job search... I'm not referring to the sad need, which unfortunately exists, to go elsewhere due to the lack of opportunities at home; no, but to the fact that it is now normal for young people, for example, to do the first part of their studies in their own country and specialize in another. A bit like what happened in the Middle Ages: we studied a little in Padua, a little in Paris, a little in Oxford or Heidelberg… Let's look at them, at the young people, and think of a Europe and a world that are height of their dreams.
For this reason I encourage you to go forward with courage and hope, with God's help. May the Gospel be your guiding star and the social doctrine your compass. I heartily bless all of you and your loved ones. And I ask you please to pray for me. Thank you.
Rome, "Gemelli" Polyclinic, 9 June 2023
[1] P.H. Spaak, Speech given on the occasion of the signing of the Treaties of Rome, 25 March 1957
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