Future of Europe depends on 'evolution of the family,' pope says

Published: 2004-06-25

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II said the future development of a unified Europe depends on resolving the "profound crisis" of the modern family. "The future of Europe depends on the family. One can say the family is the mirror of society, and that is also true in the new Europe being constructed," the pope said June 25. "The evolution of the family is and will be the most important indicator of the cultural and institutional development of the continent," he said. The pope made the remarks to participants in a Rome symposium of university teachers on the theme "The Family in Europe." Many times in recent years, the pope has defended the traditional family and criticized moves to weaken it, including legislation allowing same-sex marriage in several European countries. In his brief speech, the pope said the European model of the family was a product of the encounter centuries ago between Roman law and the Christian message. The same model was spread throughout the Americas and Oceania, but about 50 years ago showed signs of crisis in the more developed countries, he said.

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