“The world needs Europe”.. The statement will be released simultaneously in four languages over the coming Friday and has been reported by the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
Signed by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, Cardinal Jean‑Marc Aveline of France, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Germany, and Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda of Poland, the call urges Christians across Europe to stand decisively for a united, solidaristic, and open‑hearted continent.
“We live in a world torn apart by wars and violence, a world polarized and full of fear” the bishops write. “Many of our fellow citizens feel frightened and disoriented. The international order is being undermined”. In this climate, they say, Europe must rediscover its soul in order to offer its indispensable contribution to the common good.
The bishops recall how, after the Second World War, Catholic laypeople rallied behind the idea of Europe as a shared home. They specifically honour the “Christian founding fathers” of the continent-French Foreign Minister and Prime Minister Robert Schuman, German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, and Italian Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi-whose ambition was the creation of a reconciled, harmonious society.
Europe should not reduce itself to merely a market of goods and money; such a view would betray the original intuition of its founders. The urgency highlighted in the appeal must become internalised by Christians so that they can work unhesitatingly for Europe’s future. “In the name of their faith, the Christians are invited to share their hope for universal brotherhood with all residents of the European continent”.