Common sense prevailed

With a focus on the conflict in the Holy Land and on internal problems, which range from the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework to financial support to Greece, the plenary session of the European Parliament (November 19-22) was marked by "major events", but it also dealt with ordinary legislation and concrete issues such as children’s safety on the Internet, motorcycles’ polluting emissions as well as the exploitation of shale gas. The European Parliament welcomed the president of Haiti Michel Martelly, who asked Europe to "continue supporting" his Country after the 2010 earthquake which "devastated the island". Cardinal Peter Turkson delivered the closing remarks, underlining the value of religious freedom in the framework of the protection of fundamental rights. Green light to he pro-life Commissioner. The most anticipated vote of the week included that on former Maltese Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, who had been put forward by the Government of Valletta to succeed his outgoing compatriot John Dalli in his role as European commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection. Borg’s designation was welcomed with 386 votes in favour, 281 against, and 28 abstentions. The vote has a special meaning. A number of political groups accused Borg of not being the appropriate candidate owing to his pro-life stands. He had been also accused of homophobia owing to his opposition to same-sex marriages. In last week’s audition to the EU Chamber Borg reiterated his position on abortion as a Catholic believer, but he also underlined that themes regarding life and the family don’t fall within the provinces of the European Union (being the area of ​​exclusive national competence). Borg had explained that if he were appointed Commissioner he would respect fully the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. With the Parliament’s favourable vote the nomination process will be completed, and in a few days Borg will be an official member of the Barroso College. "Europe guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms. Similarly, we claim the right to be Catholic, to create a family founded on marriage, to have children, to go to Mass on Sundays". With these words the head of the EPP group at the European Parliament Joseph Daul commented on the majority vote to Borg’s appointment. For Daul the political forces and the cultural visions "that fail to respect freedom of conscience and religion" have been defeated. MEP Simon Busuttil, from Malta, said: "Common sense won over prejudice, in the present circumstances diversity of opinions in Europe risk being suppressed. But cracking down diversity jeopardizes unity, affecting Europe as a whole".The right to believe. Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, addressing MEPs in Strasbourg underlined the "central role" of the defense of fundamental rights and freedoms, "including religious freedom", understood as a "pillar of civil coexistence" in a "pluralistic society as Europe". Europe, "faithful to its Christian roots, and thus committed to respect religious freedom for every human being", sends a positive sign of hope to the whole world, His Eminence said. The Cardinal – accompanied by Msgr. Aldo Giordano, Permanent Observer of the Holy See at the Council of Europe – tackled four major themes: the historical and current development of human rights; Catholic Church understanding of human rights; how the Catholic Church conceives the political institutions’ responsibility with respect to religious freedom; the defence and promotion of religious freedom in the world. In his speech His Eminence referred to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to Second Vatican Council documents, quoting from Benedict XVI and Jacques Maritain. "Freedom of religion is a matter of justice" and "it is linked to the development of the inalienable rights of man", throughout history and across the world, His Eminence said. "Such rights can be denied by no-one". The prelate went on to denounce violations of religious freedom and episodes of discrimination against Christians in the world. Cardinal Turkson equally underlined the importance of interreligious dialogue and mutual respect and highlighted the value of dialogue between religious and political leaders. His Eminence underlined the commitment of believers within social and political realms: "The presence of Christians in the public realm must be understood as a contribution to the building of the common good, to the advantage of everyone".