Pope Francis: Europe has no future unless rooted in ‘Christian vision of man’
August 03, 2016
Resuming his Wednesday general audience following a hiatus during July, Pope Francis spoke on August 3 of his recent apostolic journey to Poland.
“My recent pastoral visit to Poland for World Youth Day took place 25 years after the historic visit of St. John Paul II following the fall of the Iron Curtain,” Pope Francis said in the Paul VI Audience Hall, according to the official English-language synthesis of his remarks. “Poland, Europe and the world have changed greatly since then, but the young continue to be a prophetic sign of hope for the future.”
“Waving the flags of their respective countries, they formed a mosaic of fraternity and a joyful response to the challenge of the Gospel,” he continued. “Poland, with its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, today reminds us that Europe has no future apart from its founding values, centered on the Christian vision of man and including the message of mercy expressed so eloquently in the last century by Saints John Paul and Faustina Kowalska.”
“At Auschwitz-Birkenau, in silence, I pondered all that happened there, remembered the victims, and sensed the mercy of God that made itself felt even in that abyss of evil,” he added. “Remembrance serves as a warning and a charge for our own time, so torn by conflicts, hatred and violence. I thank all those who made possible this visit, which offered a sign of fraternity and peace to Poland, Europe and the world.”
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Further information:
- Pope Francis General Audience 2016.08.03 (YouTube Vatican)
- L’Udienza Generale (Holy See Pres Office)
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Posted by: bernie4871 -
Aug. 04, 2016 5:23 PM ET USA
I rejoice that someone has apparently been able to help him see more clearly. His message is critical for the whole Continent, most importantly for Italy, France and Spain. Their scandal of apostasy and no children is influencing much of the world. Unfortunately, turning around a continent this late in the game is nearly impossible baring some unprecedented Grace. The Pope and all the Bishops must repeat the message every day: Get married! Generously welcome children! Otherwise - Disastro
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Posted by: Bveritas2322 -
Aug. 03, 2016 11:55 PM ET USA
It was only a few weeks ago when he ridiculed those who expressed unhappiness about Europe forgetting its Christian roots as expressing something that "sounded like colonialism."