The load of laicism

Cardinal Angelo Sodano presented his book, “The Contribution of Christians for a New Europe” published by LEV-Libreria Editrice Vaticana (Vatican publishing house trans.’s note) at Rome’s European University on November 16. In his book, His Eminence addresses the problem of European integration to the light of the contribution of Christian faithful set against the perils of laicism, which he defines “a heavy burden”. Upon the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall the book is dedicated “to all those who sacrificed themselves for religious freedom in a new Europe”. On this occasion, SIR Europe asked a few questions to Cardinal Sodano on this subject. Your Eminence, you write that laicism ‘conceals the religious and ethical foundations of European peoples’. What does Europe risk by overlooking its historical Christian roots? “Laicism is a heavy load which occasionally weighs heavily upon the progress of the European Union. I refer to State laicism that tends to ignore, and at times even to curb, the very presence of spiritual values in Europe. State atheism imposed by Communist East-European Countries was unjust. Current State laicism that is tentatively imposed in a number of Western European Countries is equally unjust. Spiritual values are the cement of societies. Reaffirming the influence of Christianity in the shaping of Europe, as I wrote in the book, in no way affects the Continent’s history”.Christians do strive to inscribe the values of Christianity within European culture…“The book’s subtitle is “the Contribution of the Christians”. This refers not only to Catholics but also to the Orthodox and the Reformed faithful. It is a joint commitment so that the Gospel leaven, which transformed European populations for 2000 years may transform also European society. The Popes’ appeals, notably, John Paul II’s and Benedict XVI’s call to erect a Europe of the spirit side by side with the Europe of economy or defense constitute the basis enabling societies’ existence. A house without foundations will not endure life’s tempests and storms. In my book I had wanted to underline this aspect: honor is due to the new Europe of freedom after the fall of the Wall, to the Europe of peace, the conquest of a great ideal that left behind 55 million deaths in the last world conflict. Honor is due to the Europe of solidarity and integration. But laicism is a virus that must be defeated. Spiritual values are crucial to the future of Europe”.How to you view Christians’ commitment to preserve and promote Europe’s Christian identity? “Christians ought to be present in those places where peoples’ and governments’ futures are being planned. The Holy See is present within European and International bodies. Some have voiced the concern that the Holy See’s involvement is repaid with little. John Paul II once said, “we must be present in all realities. The politics of the empty chair is useless especially when we are invited, when the voice of the Holy See and of local Churches is desired. The Church and lay faithful must be present and give their contribution, which is finally appreciated. This is a great service that Churches in Europe render to the States and it is a service that the Holy See renders to the European community as a whole. The ongoing presence of Christian faithful – Catholics, Orthodox, Reformed – will enable Europe to set an example for the rest of the world and be a beacon of civilization as it was in the past”.How should Christians be present?“The form of Christian presence do change. Today a respectful, discreet, fraternal presence is most appreciated. It also depends also on the temperament of the European politicians and on the various shepherds. Everyone brings his own contribution for this new Europe. I believe that this vision of hope will help us proceed serenely towards the future. The load of laicism has encumbered the path leading to European integration. We must try to remove it in order to progress safely towards the destination of full integration. Nobody wants to restore confessional states. In the first millennium the name of Europe didn’t exist. It was called Christianity. We don’t want to change the name of Europe, but we want a Europe of the Spirit, where each believer is respected and can spread his/her ideals within the realms of education, culture and charity. We don’t want Europe to be a laicist establishment that neglects the very spiritual values that had animated her across the centuries. This is the void we are all united by this very day”.