"As Europe faces an unprecedented influx of immigrants and refugees while struggling to counter
continued economic woes, Pope Francis urged the continent to step up to its responsibilities with renewed hope, not cower behind walls and treaties.
The pope -- a South American son of Italian immigrants -- evoked U.S. civil rights leader Martin
Luther King Jr., telling European heads-of-state and top-level representatives that he had a dream of a divisive Europe coming together to protect the rights of everyone, especially families and migrants.
"I dream of a Europe where being a migrant is not a crime, but a summons to greater commitment" to help those in need and, he said, "I dream of a Europe where young people" can lead a simple life and see that marriage and children are a joy, not a burden because there are no stable, well-paying jobs.
The pope's dream of a rejuvenated and united Europe came as he received the prestigious Charlemagne Prize May 6.
The award is traditionally conferred on the feast of the Ascension in the German city of Aachen. The award is presented every year by the citizens of Aachen to commemorate Charlemagne -- the first Holy Roman Emperor -- and to honor a public figure for his or her commitment in promoting European unity.
The ceremony to honor Pope Francis, however, was held in a frescoed hall of the Apostolic Palace, drawing distinguished European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, King Felipe VI of Spain, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, as well as the heads of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission -- three men who were also past laureates of the prize.
The mayor of Aachen, Marcel Phillip, told those assembled that "Pope Francis is a godsend for Europe."
"What has happened to you?" he repeated three times. What has happened, he asked, to the glorious Europe of the past: the champion of human rights; the home of artists; the mother of heroes who upheld "and even sacrificed their lives for the dignity of their brothers and sisters?"
He called for the recollection of and courageous return to the bold ideals of the founding fathers of a united Europe -- those who were committed to "alternative and innovative paths in a world scarred by war."
The pope said Europe needs to give birth to a "new humanism" built on including and integrating diversity, promoting respect and dialogue, and offering everyone an important role to play in working for the common good.
The Catholic Church, he said, must help in this "rebirth of a Europe weary, yet rich in energies and possibilities."CNS
The pope -- a South American son of Italian immigrants -- evoked U.S. civil rights leader Martin
"I dream of a Europe where being a migrant is not a crime, but a summons to greater commitment" to help those in need and, he said, "I dream of a Europe where young people" can lead a simple life and see that marriage and children are a joy, not a burden because there are no stable, well-paying jobs.
The pope's dream of a rejuvenated and united Europe came as he received the prestigious Charlemagne Prize May 6.
The award is traditionally conferred on the feast of the Ascension in the German city of Aachen. The award is presented every year by the citizens of Aachen to commemorate Charlemagne -- the first Holy Roman Emperor -- and to honor a public figure for his or her commitment in promoting European unity.The ceremony to honor Pope Francis, however, was held in a frescoed hall of the Apostolic Palace, drawing distinguished European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, King Felipe VI of Spain, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, as well as the heads of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission -- three men who were also past laureates of the prize.
"What has happened to you?" he repeated three times. What has happened, he asked, to the glorious Europe of the past: the champion of human rights; the home of artists; the mother of heroes who upheld "and even sacrificed their lives for the dignity of their brothers and sisters?"
He called for the recollection of and courageous return to the bold ideals of the founding fathers of a united Europe -- those who were committed to "alternative and innovative paths in a world scarred by war."
The pope said Europe needs to give birth to a "new humanism" built on including and integrating diversity, promoting respect and dialogue, and offering everyone an important role to play in working for the common good.
The Catholic Church, he said, must help in this "rebirth of a Europe weary, yet rich in energies and possibilities."CNS
....and all the world wondered after the beast.
Revelation 13:13
