New Italian prime minister pays tribute to Pope, Europe’s Christian roots

January 19, 2012

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, who assumed office in November, said that the Church’s Magisterium and the Christian roots of Europe are indispensable in facing the continent’s economic crisis.

“The Pope’s Magisterium and his personal, strong testament, important contribution of the Holy See and Italian Episcopal Conference, are propelling and critical elements of fundamental importance which, in the face of the common good, we cannot escape,” he said. “The Pope’s hands are strong hands that hold up the weight of many; they are reassuring hands because they themselves are supported.”

“The relation between nations and the Church can be a bridge, an opening which knocks down the walls of national selfishness and cements the sense of belonging which means respect, responsibility and solidarity,” he added. “It is precisely through the re-evaluation of the Christian roots of Europe that lies the secret to overcoming the serious situation experienced by the continent.”

 

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Further information:

• The need to look ahead with courage (L’Osservatore Romano)
• New Italian prime minister visits Pontiff (CWN, 1/16)