Pope Warns Europe Risks Drifting From Its ‘Spiritual Vocation’

By CNS

Published: August 21, 2003

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II warned that Europe risks drifting away from its “spiritual vocation” even as the continent expands its political and economic unity.

Christianity was a defining force in the consolidation of Europe through the centuries, and its values cannot be disregarded at the start of the 21st century, the pope said at a Sunday blessing Aug. 17.

The pope spoke to several hundred well-wishers in the courtyard of his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, about 15 miles south of Rome. As in recent weeks, he appeared somewhat tired in the August heat.

With a proposed European constitution still under debate, the pope has insisted several times that the text include an explicit reference to the continent’s Christian roots. Meanwhile, the European Union is set to expand in 2004, and new members are likely to include the pontiff’s native Poland.

In his short talk, the pope said Europe owes much to Christianity.

“The Christian faith has given it form, and some of its fundamental values have inspired the democratic ideal and the concept of human rights found in modern European thought,” he said.

The pope said that as Europe developed as a cultural and historical reality Christianity played a unifying role, helping to integrate a variety of cultures and peoples.

“One cannot deny that Europe is undergoing a crisis of values at the present time, and it is important that it recover its true identity,” he said.

“The process of the European Union’s expansion to other countries cannot only consider geographic and economic aspects, but should translate itself into a renewed harmony of values to express in law and in life,” he said.

The pope closed his talk with a prayer to Mary to help Europe “always to be aware of its spiritual vocation” and to contribute to peace and solidarity throughout the world.