Mutual esteem

Benedict XVI received the president of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek at the Vatican on February 28. Primary issues and relevant themes regarding Catholic Church-EU relations were discussed during the meeting. At the end of the private audience with the Holy Father the president of the Assembly in Strasbourg – Polish, Catholic, formerly a figure of reference of Solidarnosc and ex-Premier in Warsaw – explained that the visit addressed three key-issues: international current events, notably “the situation in North Africa and in the Middle East”; the safeguard of religious freedom, focusing on the limitations, discrimination and violence against Christians in several countries; the relations between religious communities and EU institutions.As relates to the situation in Asia and across the Mediterranean, “We are both full of hope that the people’s movement will lead to democratization and the development of the rule of law and of a true civil society, based on universal human rights”, Buzek remarked. The common sentiment of the two personalities clearly emerges, along with the understanding that – each according to their own province – the Church and the European Union are tasked with a fundamental role on world scenario. Neither the Vatican nor Community Europe have powerful armies, still, they could (and perhaps for this very reason should) play a unique “ethical” and diplomatic role, at a time marked by the quest for new points of reference, for reliable and solid institutions, for individuals committed in the establishment of peace, freedom and justice.”We agreed on the fact that the protection of minority groups, notably Christian minorities, has to be a cornerstone of the new order”, continued the president of the European Parliament. Religious freedom is a primary human need that is exercised alongside with other fundamental rights, with individual and collective rights. In a certain way, it constitutes the litmus test for other rights, as it is part and parcel of intangible human heritage.Buzek and the Pope also addressed the full application of Art. 17 of the Lisbon Treaty, regarding cooperation between Church institutions and the EU. During periodical meetings EU27 and the religious community of the Old Continent discuss key themes of integration. Buzek was a protagonist of the meetings since his appointment at the lead of the European Parliament in July 2009.The belief that religions can promote the interrelation of European populations and the interrelation of EU institutions with civil society across Europe is ever more upheld. Evident merits in the realm of cultural and ethical evolution, education, and solidarity are acknowledged to the Church. For these reasons the relations between Community institutions and Church representatives are expected to consolidate, strengthen and deliver concrete results. The Churches believe in Europe. Europe must show that it trusts and respects the community of believers.