2012-06-13 L’Osservatore Romano - From the address given by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States, to the Ambassadors of the member countries of the European Union that are accredited to the Holy See at the end of Denmark's Presidency. The meeting was held in Rome on Monday, 11 June.
I would like to devote today's conversation to certain reflections concerning Europe's future in connection with the serious, primarily economic crisis which the continent is currently going through.
Europe today is suffering the consequences of debt, together with those of a work market that is frequently rigid and under strong competitive pressures from the outside which have led to an ever more marked de-localization of productive activities. In recent years we have noted that the continent is ageing and is producing less and less. Alongside these factors a gradual loss of the cultural and social identity of the European peoples is often combined with the remoteness of civil and political society which has difficulty in carrying out its duty, namely, to pursue the common good.
I am confident that even in the current difficulties our continent will be able to rediscover itself. The success of this undertaking will depend on the extent to which Europe can look with gratitude and recognition at its origins and, above all, at the ability to present anew constructively and creatively those Christian and human values such as the dignity of the human person, the profound sentiment of justice and freedom, hard work, the spirit of initiative, love for the family, respect for life and the desire for cooperation and peace, which are its characteristic features.
I would like to devote today's conversation to certain reflections concerning Europe's future in connection with the serious, primarily economic crisis which the continent is currently going through.
Europe today is suffering the consequences of debt, together with those of a work market that is frequently rigid and under strong competitive pressures from the outside which have led to an ever more marked de-localization of productive activities. In recent years we have noted that the continent is ageing and is producing less and less. Alongside these factors a gradual loss of the cultural and social identity of the European peoples is often combined with the remoteness of civil and political society which has difficulty in carrying out its duty, namely, to pursue the common good.
I am confident that even in the current difficulties our continent will be able to rediscover itself. The success of this undertaking will depend on the extent to which Europe can look with gratitude and recognition at its origins and, above all, at the ability to present anew constructively and creatively those Christian and human values such as the dignity of the human person, the profound sentiment of justice and freedom, hard work, the spirit of initiative, love for the family, respect for life and the desire for cooperation and peace, which are its characteristic features.