Francis’ invitation to the bishops of COMECE, the commission of the episcopal conferences of the countries of the European Union, which in its Assembly elected the Italian Monsignor Mariano Crociata as president. “Unity in diversity in Europe is possible if there is a strong inspiration; otherwise the apparatus prevails, the technocratic paradigm that is not fruitful because it does not excite people.”
Vatican City () – “Prophecy, clairvoyance and creativity are needed to advance the cause of peace.” This is what Pope Francis said today when receiving in the Vatican the bishops of COMECE, the Commission of the Episcopal Conferences of the countries that are part of the European Union. The reason for the meeting was the assembly of this body in which its new president was elected: the Italian Bishop Mariano Crociata, Bishop of Latina, was chosen to direct it, taking over from the Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg.
Addressing the bishops this morning, Francis focused on “two great dreams of the founding fathers of Europe: the dream of unity and the dream of peace.” On unity, the pontiff recalled that “the wealth of Europe lies in the convergence of different sources of thought and historical experiences” and, therefore, “it has a future if it is truly a union and not a reduction of countries with their respective characteristics.” “Unity in diversity – he added – is possible if there is a strong inspiration; otherwise the apparatus prevails, the technocratic paradigm, which is not fruitful because it does not excite people, it does not attract the new generations, it does not involve the living forces of society in the construction of a common project”. Regarding the role of Christian inspiration in this challenge, the task of the Church is “to train people who, reading the signs of the times, know how to interpret the European project in today’s history.”
And one of the signs of the current times – added the Pontiff – is the challenge of peace. “We can already talk about a third world war: the war in the Ukraine is close, and it has shaken the European peace. The neighboring nations have done everything possible to welcome the refugees, but “to this choral response on the level of charity it should be matched by a cohesive commitment to peace.” But it is clear that this is neither easy nor obvious.”
In this complex challenge in which interests and alliances come into play, one principle should be shared by all: war cannot and should not continue to be considered a solution to conflicts. “If the countries of Europe today do not share this ethical-political principle -Francis commented-, it means that they have moved away from the original dream. If, on the contrary, they share it, they must commit to putting it into practice, with all the effort and the complexity that the historical situation requires. Because war is a failure of politics and humanity. It must be repeated to politicians”.
And it is a task to which COMECE is particularly called. “You are by mission builders of relationships, encounters, dialogue – the Pope also observed – and this is already working for peace. But it is not enough. Prophecy is also needed, foresight is needed, creativity is needed to advance the cause of peace. In this work, one must be both an architect and a craftsman: this is the true builder of peace. I also wish it for each one of you,” Francis concluded, “bearing in mind that each one has their own personal charisms that contribute with those of others to the common work”.
