Along the roads of Europe

"The people of God is not confined to the restricted borders of one nation, race or culture: it extends throughout the universe. It does not ignore or despise the nations, races or cultures. Its greatness and originality lies precisely in the blending in an organic and dynamic living unity the most diverse races. In this way, the unity does not suffer lacerations, and diversity does not lose its fundamental richness". With these words on June 12 1982 John Paul II addressed the bishops of Argentina convened in Buenos Aires, showing them the infinite horizons of faith. Sadly, the "Berlin wall" was still standing but the Pope "from a far country" after the brief and unforgettable smile of John Paul I, opened an extraordinary season of hope for the Church, for Europe and for the world. He was succeeded by Benedict XVI, another European pope that showed Europe the path of dialogue between faith and reason to respond to the quest for truth felt by all men feel vibrating in their conscience also at a time of secularization. Today, Pope Francis, from come further afar, from "the end of the world", has already entered the heart of old Europe, which responds to the caress and to the encouragement of a father with uncontainable joy. We find, in the words of European bishops, starting with those of Cardinal Peter Erdö, president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, the answer of a Church that is ready to walk with him towards the very destination that the Pope immediately identified in Jesus. Something important and beautiful is taking place in Europe, and not only in places of Catholicism. There is an awakening, an expectation, and most of all there is the awareness that the "newness" that stood at the lodge of Saint Peter’s basilica is inscribed within the ongoing newness of a Church on the road, a Church that surprises, as God always does."Seen from another continent – wrote the then archbishop of Marseilles, cardinal Roger Etchegaray – Europe appears small, with only 12% of world population. But will it or not, people continue viewing it as the centre of Christianity, and under this light judge the values that inspire her action. Europe is comparable to a large showcase displaying Christianity to the rest of the world. European Christians have a great responsibility for world evangelization".It may be incidental, but Pope Francis’ mention of the thought of German Cardinal Walter Kasper on mercy, is very significant also from a European perspective. World scenario, and the ecclesial realm therein, have undergone deep transformations. Even the Church of Old Europe has long since tuned in to her sister Churches under the banner of increasing reciprocity in Gospel proclamation. The experiences of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), in the frequent meetings with the Churches of Africa, Asia and Latin America testify to this. Indeed, Pope Francis has already entered the heart of Europe, for deep affection, but most of all to improve its heartbeat, since "the eyes of other peoples are often fixed on European Countries. Not only to learn how to concretely defend their own interests, but also to judge the values that inspire their actions: the sense of man, the respect of his rights… the care of his spiritual destiny and ethical needs". The Pope from Argentina encompasses these words, addressed by Pope Paul VI to the president of the European Parliament on November 9 1973. We can already see the Church of old Europe tread near him on the path of the Gospel.