EDITORIAL" " " "
An opposite path to recover an identity based on solidarity, peace and justice
When speaking of the future of Europe sometimes we’re far too self-referential. However, it can be understood, given the amount of hanging problems, that leave two-lung Europe short of breath. It may be useful to extend our glance across European borders not only as relates to global markets that are closely monitored but also to break the surface of scepticism and pessimism, increasingly engrained at deeper levels. It’s not a question of escaping reality and turning a blind eye to a crisis which, – as widely reiterated – is caused not only by unsound finances, economy and policies. It is right to carry out in-depth analyses of the situation, but it’s not enough. Having acknowledged that the Old Continent is addressing a crisis caused by the eclipse of humanism and humanity, we should reflect and provide answers that will instil new hope, on the grounds of the moral, intellectual and social mission of Europe in the world. It may be viewed as a distant and risky avenue, compared to one followed so far, but the apostolic exhortation “Ecclesia in Europe”, which celebrates 10 years next June 28, proposes from this perspective an alternative thought compared to the unfortunate one adopted today. “To say ‘Europe’ – writes John Paul II in his reflection after the second special Assembly for Europe of the Bishops’ Synod (Rome, October 1-23 1999) – must mean ‘openness.’ Despite opposite signs and experiences, it is a prerequisite inscribed within European history. Europe is not a close or isolated territory. It came about by gradually welcoming other cultures, other civilizations, arriving from beyond its natural borders”.The “global” responsibility of the Old Continent at a time marked by conflict, poverty and injustice appears secondary compared to the difficult, uncertain internal situation, but if it is to have a truly new face: “Europe cannot close in on itself. It cannot and must not lose interest in the rest of the world. On the contrary, it must remain fully aware of the fact that other countries, other continents, await its bold initiatives, in order to offer to poorer peoples the means for their growth and social organization, and to build a more just and fraternal world”. The words of John Paul II whose strong echo linger on are accompanied by the warm, albeit equally determined words of Francis, when having recalled the reality of world “peripheries”, asks Europe to acknowledge its mission for the promotion of peace, justice, and brotherhood across the globe.There’s another thought of the apostolic exhortation that reverberates a global value that needs to be recovered and strengthened in the “common home”. That word is solidarity. “Europe – we read in the exhortation – must moreover become an active partner in promoting and implementing a globalization “in” solidarity. This must be accompanied, as a pre-condition, by a kind of globalization “of” solidarity and of the related values of equity, justice and freedom, based on the firm conviction that the marketplace needs to be “appropriately controlled by the forces of society and by the state, so as to guarantee that the basic needs of the whole of society are satisfied”.Nurturing internal solidarity prompts the growth of external solidarity. It is not an impossible task and there are many signs, especially in those areas where Christian communities live, which show that the work is in progress. The overarching reflection marked by strong topical relevance after ten years, conveys the determined active will of the Church to contribute to the human and spiritual growth of Europe in full respect of the autonomy of the various players, encompassing a message to Christian faithful who often tend to engage in reductive rather than propositional views of Europe and its future. John Paul II wrote: “the new Europe requires individuals formed in Christian values and disposed to working in European institutions and bodies to contribute in full respect of democratic dynamisms and proposals for European coexistence, respectful of the presence of all men and women, for the attainment of the common good”.Is this not a warning to Christians not to abandon Europe to itself? Is it not an appeal to assume responsibilities on the grounds of rigorous knowledge and forward-looking reflections? Is it not a precious indication in view of the European elections of May 2014?
