“We need to recognize the current difficulties linked to the ratification of the Constitution, to further economic integration, and to social cohesion. That’s why an appeal to the values that unite us and to the roots of Europe is equally important”, says Msgr. Giuseppe Merisi, Bishop of Lodi, who represents the Italian Church in Comece (Commission of the episcopates of the European Community). “In Rome – says the bishop, referring to the imminent Comece congress (23-25 March) to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome – the bishops will recall the principles of the social doctrine of the Church that are a patrimony for all mankind, believers and non-believers: peace, justice, the defence of life and of the family, solidarity with the poor and with disadvantaged social groups”. It’s an uphill task, but “we need to have the courage to pursue the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy and, on the international scene, the Eu must assume responsibility for Africa and the Middle East. But to do so, Europe needs a Constitution: it seems to me that the German presidency is moving in this direction”. On the role of Christians in continental integration, Msgr. Merisi speaks of the “contribution of ideals, values and witness indicated to us by the teaching of Benedict XVI and of his predecessors”.
