The Popes and Europe” “a long trail

A long process, begun at the end of the Second World War, contributes to the vibrant anticipation over Pope Francis’ visit to the European Parliament, scheduled for November 25 in Strasbourg. It’s a precious legacy passed down by "European" popes. Also Pope Bergoglio has roots in the Old Continent, while his life has unfolded in a Latin American Country, "almost at the end of the world", marked by a different – albeit not completely distant – history.Francis disclosed some new aspects of his thoughts on Europe, on the European Church in particular during his meeting with world bishops a few days ago. He said, in an impromptu statement: "the new Churches must sustain Europe with prayers and help speed up its recovery." He amiably added that the European continent "has aged" to the extent that "mother Europe" today seems "grandma Europe" and that the centre of the world might become a "periphery" of the world. This realism is largely confirmed in our present times.Moreover, the trail left by his predecessors is conjoined with the Pope’s thought. In fact, their concerns over Europe have always been strong, along with their hopes. The same can be said for their teachings and warnings.In 1948, at a congress of European federalists, the Pius XII said: "there’s no time to waste" in the erection of a common European home. Pope Pacelli did not limit himself to establishing a set the goals, a set of principles for Catholic action, he also encouraged Vatican diplomacy to curb the frictions between former belligerents, and notably to bridge the gap between Western and Eastern Europe, separated by the Iron Curtain.With his rich experience as Apostolic nuncio John XXIII followed the logic of "openness" for the good of the persecuted East-European Churches and in the interlocution with Marxist Countries. His humble, patient commitment led to a Europe that breathes with two lungs, often referred to by John Paul II, a Pope from Eastern Europe. Another sign given by Pope Roncalli is the presence at the Second Vatican Council of 70 bishops from Eastern Churches, along with two observers from the Orthodox Church, also from Eastern Europe.On January 26 1977 Paul VI, to whom we owe important European documents, sent a message to the Council of Europe and in this document, considered his European legacy, he wrote: "The European tradition is undeniable, it is an integrating part of Europe, and therefore it is not out of place to say that Europe has a special responsibility in bearing witness, in everyone’s interest, to fundamental values such as freedom, justice, personal dignity, solidarity, universal love."Thus Christians must not abandon Europe –was the message of Pope Montini – soon to be Blessed –. And John Paul II in the post-Synodal apostolic exhortation "Ecclesia in Europa" (2003) wrote: "Europe however, at the very moment it is in the process of strengthening and enlarging its economic and political union, seems to suffer from a profound crisis of values. While possessing increased resources, it gives the impression of lacking the energy needed to sustain a common project and to give its citizens new reasons for hope." But Karol Wojtyla concludes, speaking to Europe as to a person: "Do not be afraid!" "Be confident!", "Be certain!".Benedict XVI, on September 22 2011, in address to the European Parliament said: "The culture of Europe arose from the encounter between Jerusalem, Athens and Rome – from the encounter between Israel’s monotheism, the philosophical reason of the Greeks and Roman law. This three-way encounter has shaped the inner identity of Europe." The previous year, at Santiago di Compostela, Pope Ratzinger said: "The Europe of science and technology, the Europe of civilization and culture, must be at the same time a Europe open to transcendence and fraternity with other continents, and open to the living and true God, starting with the living and true man. This is what the Church wishes to contribute to Europe: to be watchful for God and for man, based on the understanding of both which is offered to us in Jesus Christ."The trail left by the predecessors are a precious benchmark for those who follow their wake, an encouragement to take steps of freedom, responsibility and novelty. The European trail left to Pope Francis by his predecessors signal an infinite love for mankind, for peoples, and for the territory in which they live. With the intelligence and the love of the predecessors, faced with contemporary challenges and expectations, Francis will take the floor at the European Parliament. With the novelty of eternal words he will speak of the specific contribution that an outgoing Church is called to offer to the development of the European Common Home.