Christian Lymph is lost

‪"Christians’ commitment for European integration and for a shared consciousness based on common values is of the essence. ‪It is necessary to recover and bring to the fore the roots of Europe, which are also Christian roots, in the current situation". ‪Philippe Chenaux, Swiss, a professor at the Pontifical Lateran University, a scholar in the history of the Church and Catholic movements, shared his reflections on the ongoing crisis in the EU highlighting the critical aspects. At the same time he said there is a "necessary Europe" that "the Popes from Pius XII to Benedict XVI, have supported and which many Catholic politicians have upheld with determination".Professor, European integration is experiencing a difficult phase. The economic crisis has brought to the fore the divisions among EU Member States. In which direction should we turn our gaze to find the rights answers to this challenge? "We are in the midst of a deep economic crisis, which is changing the lives of many, with repercussions at national and at EU level. Also in this framework we learn from history, especially if we look back at the first stages of integration, in the post-WWII period. At the time is was a question of conciliating peoples and states, of bringing about the peaceful coexistence along with the moral and material reconstruction of the continent. There were not only economic motivations to create the European Community, and certain Catholic statesmen, the "founding fathers", committed themselves to this and successfully. The goals of peace and coexistence were achieved. As reconfirmed with the timely awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the EU past December".In what way?"The Nobel Prize recognizes the original motivations and the fact that to date, peace has been the leitmotif of the past sixty years. Thus history brings a topical message. We should recover the roots and give new impetus to the project with new proposals, given the new circumstances".But the crisis in sovereign debt has overshadowed one of the pillars of integration: solidarity. Some national governments, encouraged by the public opinion, seem to distance themselves from the idea of a Europe that follows the same pace and extends its hand to those Countries that are mostly affected by recession…"Yes, it’s true. In this phase there is the risk of forgetting solidarity. The crisis leads people to prioritize national interests. And especially now it is important to proceed together, also within the framework of world scenarios. It appears that the Christian lymph of the European building that highlighted the principle of solidarity is no longer vital. The disappearance of large Catholic parties in EU countries might have contributed to this situation worsened by widespread secularisation, consumerism, various forms of individualism, that could degenerate into nationalistic claims. There might also be other reasons".Such as?"We should ponder on the criteria for the various EU enlargements, including the recent adhesions of East European countries. Probably the EU wasn’t ready to welcome new Countries marked by strong economic delays. These have been important decisions, which contributed to the weakening of the EU".What do you think of the spreading populisms in Europe? "It’s a serious problem that must lead us to reflect. The growing electoral success of populist parties is reason for concern, affecting the political scenarios at national level. It’s a widespread nefariousness whose causes deserve in-depth reflection. It might be a reaction to the crisis, feeling threatened in one’s own certainties. It might be motivated by the need to seek revenge on politicians that are distant from the needs of the people. This is true also for Europe, viewed from a technocratic angle".What role can the Church and Christians play for the "European common home"? "The community project is basically Christian, and the pontifical Magisterium has always supported it despite the delays and scarcely convincing elements. At the same time a large number of lay Christians have brought their significant contribution on the political plane. It is a question of being faithful to this policy. The Church should form the conscience of believers that are open to reconciliation and solidarity. And the laity should take part in economic and political processes. I think that those Catholics in Europe who make do with populist and anti-Europeanist positions are on the wrong track. We should enable the Christian roots of this continent to thrive, preventing Europe from succumbing to forces that are hostile to the Church and to Christianity. With a constructive spirit we must recover a European identity that values the heritage of Christianity also for the future".