‘Jesus Christ is the source of hope for Europe,’ say bishops in Europe Day statement

May 13, 2013

The presidency of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe issued a brief statement on Europe Day, which commemorates the Schuman Declaration (1950) that gave birth to the European Union.

“To all those who today live in the European continent and who find themselves in difficulties due to the current economic crisis, who feel alone, who have lost or are looking for work and who, due to the serious crisis in meaning and in faith, struggle to look to the future, and to young people in particular, we want to say that the Church in Europe is close and invites you not to lose hope,” the statement began. “In this Year of Faith we recall with total conviction what Blessed John Paul II said ten years ago, in the Exhortation Ecclesia in Europa: ‘Jesus Christ is the source of hope for Europe.’”

“At the same time, we call on everyone not to allow fear and selfishness to cloud the charity, which has always characterized our continent, but instead to rediscover the importance of the family, the value of the gift and welcome, being a neighbor to those most in need,” the statement continued.

 

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Further information:

• Message from the CCEE Presidency to mark Europe Day - 9 May 2013 (CCEE)