Pope Francis to address European Parliament

September 11, 2014

Pope Francis has accepted an invitation to address the European Parliament, according to a September 11 announcement by the body’s president, Martin Schulz.

The Holy See Press Office subsequently confirmed that the Pope has accepted the invitation; the visit to Strasbourg will take place on November 25.

Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the president of the Commission of Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), welcomed the news that the Pope would appear in Strasbourg. The cardinal interpreted the announcement as a sign of Pope's support for the Euroepan Union. "The decision to come to Strasbourg before visiting any individual EU member state as such gives a strong signal that the Pope supports and encourages the pursuit of European integration and unity," he said.

 

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Further information:

• His Holiness Pope Francis on official visit to European Parliament in November (European Parliament)
• Dichiarazione del Direttore della Sala Stampa, P. Federico Lombardi, S.I. (Holy See Press Office)
• Cardinal Marx welcomes the announcement of Pope Francis’ visit to the European Parliament (COMECE)