Even it was only a four-hour visit, the message transmitted by Pope Francis to the European lawmakers was a consistent one. His speech was pointed to the idea of a need to reinvigorate Europe. He warned that the world sees Europe as “somewhat elderly and haggard” and the continent is felt “less and less a protagonist.” He complained that “the great ideas which once inspired Europe seem to have lost their attraction, only to be replaced by the bureaucratic technicalities of its institutions.” Regarding what is needed to be right now a strong preoccupation for the European Parliament, Pope Francis praised the EU’s work to improve human rights asking at the same time for creation of jobs and better conditions for workers.
The Pope addressed too the problem of migrants specifying that “the absence of mutual support within the European Union runs the risk of encouraging… solutions which fail to take into account the human dignity of immigrants, and thus contribute to slave labour and continuing social tensions.” Parliament President Martin Schulz answered saying to the Pontiff:“You are a person who gives us guidance at a time when we have lost our compass.”
