Pope Francis to Bring Light of Courage and Hope to Europe
Get ready Europe, because Pope Francis is about to bring a message of courage and hope to the heart of the continent as he embarks on an Apostolic Journey to Luxembourg and Belgium. Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin believes that this visit will not only shed light on the challenges Europe faces but also invite the continent to rediscover its roots.
By Massimiliano Menichetti
After his extensive journey through Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis is once again on the move. His mission? To bring the unwavering presence of Christ to a Europe that is scarred by war, divided on many fronts, and grappling with demographic decline.
On September 26, the Pope will touch down in Luxembourg and Belgium on the same day, where he will remain in Brussels until September 29.
As Cardinal Pietro Parolin puts it, “Europe, in some ways, has forgotten the enormous tragedies of the past, which in turn increases the risk of repeating those same tragic mistakes.” In an interview with Vatican Media, the Cardinal emphasized that this journey is aimed at fostering solidarity and empowering Europe to look towards the future with courage.
Q: Your Eminence, how did this journey, which begins with the brief stop in Luxembourg, come about?
This pastoral visit is primarily centered around the 600th anniversary celebrations of the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, with a brief stop in Luxembourg as well. These two countries, founding members of the European Union, play host to EU institutions, yet Catholicism seems to be losing its significance in societal life. The journey aims to address this disconnect.
Q: The Pope returns to a Europe often divided on issues of life, migrants, and wounded by war. Will this visit help Europe recover the roots of the founding fathers—Schuman, De Gasperi, Adenauer—and their political project promoting development based on peace, fraternity, and solidarity?
Following World War II, Europeans were determined to build a new order that would prevent the resurgence of extreme nationalism. Fast forward to today, and Europe, it seems, has lost sight of its foundational values. Pope Francis seeks to reignite this flame, urging Europe to tackle its challenges with solidarity and courage, thus overcoming the looming “demographic winter.”
Q: What is your wish for this journey?
I hope that Pope Francis’s visit sparks a renewed sense of hope and unity in Europe. It’s time to reflect on our shared values and listen to the message of courage and compassion that the Pope brings. Let’s embrace this opportunity for growth and renewal, both individually and as a society.
