” “Giorgio La Pira "was a great man of peace and reconciliation of peoples", factors that are the foundations of the European integration process. Hans-Gert Poettering, president of the European Parliament, visited in Florence today the Foundation that bears the name of the city Major, who died thirty years ago. "Florence has always been the ideal homeland of illustrious man added Poettering -; they certainly include the great Mayor, a servant of God, for whom a canonisation process is under way". "He was a politician of faith and peace", "deeply pro-European and an administrator of the utmost integrity"; La Pira "understood ahead of time the destructive scope of the totalitarianisms of the twentieth century, understood the value of dialogue between peoples and combined, in an exemplary association, the lay principles of the State with the most upright aspirations and values of the Christian faith". The German politician then recalled "the proactive commitment shown by La Pira in the peacemaking process between Israel and Palestine". "Following his example, it is urgent that Europe today casts an intellectual and cultural bridge over the Mediterranean. In addition it is our duty concluded Poettering to continue La Pira’s work to build a Europe of peace, freedom, solidarity and social justice".” “
