(Brussels / Vatican) Pope Francis is coming on November 25 to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg.Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi confirmed this today in a press statement on the Pope's visit. The invitation came from European Parliament President Martin Schulz (SPD).
The invitation had been issued on March 19, 2013 on the day of inauguration of Pope Francis in Rome.Schulz said at the time: "I hope to welcome the pope as soon as possible to send a European and universal message about the core values that are needed today more than ever."
The President of the German Bishops' Conference and soon the European Bishops' Conferences (COMECE), Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Cardinal of Munich and Freising spoke of "very good news". The German cardinal sees a "strong signal by the Pope in support and encouragement of European integration". The Pope "recognizes the success of the European project and, not least, the peace dividend, for which the EU has received the Nobel Peace Prize." This second speech of a pope before the EU Parliament will underline the "continuing support of the Church for the high ideals of European integration" , says Marx.
Will Pope Francis find critical words about the socio-political orientation of the EU, as uncritical and statesmanlike occurred to the German Cardinal?
In 1988 Pope John Paul II had spoken to the European Parliament.. A speech by Pope Benedict XVI. did not materialize.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: InfoVaticana
image: InfoVaticana
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDC
An invitation from Schulz, that dreadful old Marxist? It tells you everything about how they see this Pope. And no doubt he won't disappoint them.
ReplyDeleteBenedict Carter
Lord, have mercy!
ReplyDeleteNot much sign that he will condemn the Parliament for its contribution to many intrinsically evil laws and policies. Lord have mercy!
ReplyDeleteawwwwww jeeeeeez....what fresh hell will this bring???
ReplyDeleteThe day JP II spoke to the EU, a certain Rev, Ian Paisley who has just died interrupted his perorations calling him the Anti-Christ.
ReplyDeleteJe crois bien: this eu-Parlement full of CorruptionProstitution, hatred and excessive self-indulgenceLObbyism, not at all worth visited by a Pope; unwürdig, eh?
ReplyDelete