Cardinal Bertone’s support for European unification lauded

November 14, 2013

A former president of the European Parliament took part in a press conference introducing a newly published collection of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone’s speeches and lauded the former Vatican Secretary of State’s support for European unification.

“As far as Europe is concerned, Cardinal Bertone is a supporter of European unification, and he expressed this in his speeches, and so I hope that his speeches are an example for other important people in the Church to support the unification of our continent,” Hans-Gert Pöttering, who served as president of the European Parliament from 2007 to 2009, told Vatican Radio.

“We very often hear critics about the situation in the European Union, we hear criticism as far as the process of European integration is concerned from people in the Church,” Pöttering added. “I think Europe needs encouragement from the Church as well and the Church needs encouragement … Let’s work together to unite Europe more.”

Appointed Secretary of State by Pope Benedict in 2005, Cardinal Bertone, 78, served in his office until October 15.

 

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Further information:

• New book by Cardinal Bertone (Vatican Radio)
• Pope Francis lauds Cardinal Bertone, calls for solidarity in international diplomacy (CWN, 11/12)