In a Europe that is "in search of its identity", only the "lifeblood" of the "Christian roots" can guarantee "a new, lasting unity" that will go beyond the purely economic and political horizons. It was said by the Pope, in today’s general audience, dedicated to the figure of Saint Benedict and the never-ending relevance of his Rule, the carrier of "an authentic spiritual ferment that changed, over the centuries, well beyond the boundaries of his native country and his time, the face of Europe, creating, after the fall of political unity, a new spiritual and cultural unity, that of the Christian faith, shared by the peoples of the continent". According to Benedict XVI, the Benedictine Rule "offers useful directions not only to the monks but also to all those people who look for guidance in their walk towards God. Due to its measure, its humanity and its sober judgement of the essential and the marginal in spiritual life, it has successfully retained its enlightening force until now". Hence the never-ending goodness of the "wonderful work" carried out by Saint Benedict and by his Rule "in the formation of the European civilisation and culture", recognised by Paul VI, who on 24th October 1964 proclaimed him the Patron Saint of Europe (continued).
