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Last Updated: 19 February 2013

Marks 50th Anniversary of Treaty of Rome With Overview

ROME, MARCH 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See gave an overview of its concerns for Europe's future, including issues ranging from fossil fuels to protecting human dignity in scientific research.

Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states of the Vatican Secretariat of State, mentioned the Holy See's main concerns at a conference in Italy's capital, marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

The conference was organized by the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) and ran from Friday to Sunday.

The first preoccupation Archbishop Mamberti spoke about was the "energy crisis." The Vatican official underlined its moral dimension, speaking of the need to "reduce the use of fossil fuels" and to look for diversification of energy sources, in order to promote "peace in the world and protection of the environment."

"The destruction of the environment, its inappropriate or selfish use and the violent cornering of the earth's resources, generate damage, conflicts and wars," he said.

As for economic challenges, above all in underdeveloped nations, the 55-year-old archbishop underlined the need to "give incentives to investments in research and innovation."

He added: "The Catholic Church is convinced that, inasmuch as they are oriented toward the common good and respect human dignity, science and technology are essential tools to be encouraged."

"However, we cannot deny the serious and unacceptable results of research that does not have the human being as the center of its objectives," the Archbishop Mamberti said, referring to the 7th European Framework Program 2007-2013, which projects funding for human stem cell research.

"A democracy that, instead of serving human life, puts it to a vote and supports those who suppress it, seems to be the prey of falsehood and intolerance," the prelate said.

This behavior, he added, signifies "a strategy solicited by vast technological and industrial interests, turning to politics to obtain juridical protection in support of these interests … considering ethics as an obstacle, instead of an aid to well-being."

Life and family

The archbishop also spoke about demographic decline, mentioning that none of the Western European countries have a birthrate high enough to maintain the population.

"This is, first of all, a problem of individualism and the new generation's deep crisis regarding trust in the future," the Vatican official said.

"The Church is ready to contribute to resolve this pessimism; but the political and economic institutions should have the courage to question a consumerist and hedonistic lifestyle," he added. The prelate also underlined the need to "support life and the family with resolute actions on various levels."

Regarding countries joining the European Union, Archbishop Mamberti underlined that the Holy See "asks for the observance" of the so-called Copenhagen criteria, approved in 1993, which consider the defense of human rights, religious freedom, and protection of minorities.

Archbishop Mamberti added: "If expansion is a policy of security and stability for the EU, the 'costs' this entails for the citizens should not be ignored -- not only in financial terms, even if very relevant, but also cultural terms.

"In other words, a policy of expansion should not endanger the sharing of those principles and values, forged by Christianity, that have made Europe a light of civilization for the entire world.

"Catholics involved in the public field should know that the meaning of their political activities and the future of Europe are at stake."

The prelate added that for Christians working in the European public space, "to be fully coherent with their faith (… they) must take as a priority for their public work the welfare of human life, from conception to natural death, and the natural structure of the family, as a union between a man and a woman, founded on matrimony."

Laity

Archbishop Mamberti then spoke about the need for the construction of a "correct laicism" and the "autonomy of temporal realities."

The Vatican official said: "During the last two legislatures of the European Parliament, the positions of the Catholic Church and the Vatican were attacked almost 30 times and unjustly accused of uncalled-for involvement in a European issue."

He then highlighted the dangers of an ideology for the laity, which would mean a "form of intolerance, presented as the quintessence of tolerance." History has shown, the prelate said, that when "neo-pagan ideologies have made the state an absolute, dissolving any form of pluralism, democracies have fallen and the rights of human beings have been violated and destroyed."

"It corresponds in first place to the Holy See, as well as to all Christians," Archbishop Mamberti said, "to remind this continent […] that it cannot betray its Christian values, just as a person cannot betray his reasons to live and have hope, without falling into a dramatic crisis."

Code: ZE07032601

Date: 2007-03-26

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Last Updated: 19 February 2013

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 26, 2007 (ZENIT.org).- Benedict XVI received in audience the superior of the ecumenical Taizé community, continuing an annual tradition begun by Pope John XXIII.

The Vatican press office reported that Benedict XVI met with Brother Alois Löser today. Brother Alois, 52, succeeded Taizé's founder, Brother Roger Schutz, as prior of the group.

Brother Roger, 90, was killed by a mentally disturbed woman in 2005.

The Holy See did not report any details about today's audience.

Code: ZE07032627

Date: 2007-03-26

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Last Updated: 19 February 2013

Rome, Mar. 26, 2007 (CWNews.com) - European is sliding into a "apostasy," Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) warned leaders of the European Union in a sobering March 24 address.

It appears, the Holy Father said, "that the European continent is losing confidence in its future." As a result, he said, the European Union "seems to be on a path that might lead to its twilight in history."

Pope Benedict gave an unsparing account of European cultural collapse in his talk to participants in a Rome conference marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome: the pact that led to the establishment of the European Union. The conference was organized by the Commission of European Episcopal Conferences (COMECE), and centered on the theme of "Values and Perspectives for Europe's Future."

The Pope seized upon that theme, demanding that European leaders recognize the crisis that has been created by the failure to embrace the spiritual and cultural heritage of their continent. His speech reflected his dismay that the Rome Declaration, issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rome treaty, did not mention the influence of Christianity.

Pope Benedict stated flatly that "it is unthinkable that we can build an authentic common European house by disregarding the identities of the peoples of this continent of ours. It is an historical, cultural and moral identity even before it is a geographic, economic or political reality. It is an identity built on a set of universal values in which Christianity played a role in molding them, which gives it a role that is not only historical but also foundational vis-à-vis Europe."

The Pope began his remarks by saluting the progress to unite Europe, most notably by eliminating the "curtain of justice" that split East and West in the late 20th century. He recognized the progress that has been made toward economic integration, although he cautioned that it should be balanced by attention toward "the legitimate expectations of the poor and marginalized." However, the Pope then noted that Europe's future is endangered by a demographic slide and a failure to recognize the cultural strengths that formed the continent's civilization.

If the European Union is to play a credible role in the 21st century, the Pope argued, it can only do so with the "spark" supplied by its cultural and spiritual heritage. Scolding the government leaders who failed to recognize that patrimony, the Pontiff asked, "how can they exclude from Europe’s identity an essential element like Christianity in which a vast majority continues to identify themselves?"

"Is it surprising, then," the Pope continued, "that while it aspires to be a community of values, modern Europe seems to question universal and absolute values?"

"A community that is built without respect for the authentic dignity of human beings, that forgets that each person is created in God’s image, ends up not doing any one any good," the Pope said.

Pope Benedict said that the European Union today is built upon a cynical form of pragmatism that compromises on all principles, sacrificing fundamental ideals and undermining the dignity of human nature and freedom. If the Union is to have any lasting legal integrity, he said, it "must clearly recognize that human nature has something stable and permanent to it and that it is the source of common rights for all individuals, including even those who deny them."

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Warns of Crisis of Values and Identity

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 25, 2007 (Zenit.org).- If Europe denies the existence of universal values, the continent will be an apostate from itself even before it will be an apostate from God, says Benedict XVI.

The Holy Father said this Saturday upon receiving in audience the participants of the congress "Values and Perspectives for Tomorrow's Europe -- 50 Years of the Treaty of Rome."

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community convoked the congress to mark the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, which laid the foundations for what is today the European Union.

More than 400 delegates of bishops' conferences, religious orders and congregations, Catholic organizations and movements, and members of other Churches attended the congress, which ended today.

Benedict XVI said: "Is it not a surprise that contemporary Europe, although it wishes to present itself as a community of values, seems more and more to contest the existence of universal and absolute values?

"Does not this unique form of 'apostasy' from itself, even prior to an apostasy from God, lead to doubts about its identity?"

For the Pope it is "a historical, cultural and moral identity before it is a geographic, economic or political one; an identity constituted by an ensemble of universal values that Christianity contributed to forging and which thus gave to Christianity not only a historical but a foundational role for Europe."

"Such values, which constitute the soul of the continent, must remain in Europe in the third millennium as a 'ferment' of civilization," the Pontiff stated.

The yeast

The Holy Father continued: "If they should disappear, how could the old continent continue to have the function of being a 'yeast' for the whole world?

"If, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, the governments of the union desire to 'draw near' to their citizens, how can they exclude an essential element of the European identity, namely, Christianity, with which a vast majority of the citizens continue to identify themselves?"

Benedict XVI observed that on the contrary there is an expansion in Europe of a pragmatism "that systematically justifies compromise on essential human values as if the acceptance of a presumed minor moral evil were inevitable."

He emphasized that "such a pragmatism, presented as balanced and realistic, really isn't, since it rejects that dimension of values and ideals that is inherent in human nature."

The Pope said: "Then, when atheistic and relativistic tendencies are woven into this pragmatism, in the end Christians as such are denied the very right to enter into the public discussion or, at the very least, their contribution is disqualified."

The Bishop of Rome attributed this loss of values and ideals to the demographic crisis which the countries of Europe are now facing, "a road that could carry it to bid farewell to history."

The Pontiff lamented that "one might think that the European continent is in fact losing confidence in its own future."

"But do not tire and do not be discouraged!" Benedict XVI said. "You know that you have the task of contributing with God's help to the building of a 'New Europe,' realistic but not cynical, rich in ideals and free from naive illusions, inspired by the perennial and life-giving truth of the Gospel."

Code: ZE07032504

Date: 2007-03-25

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Last Updated: 19 February 2013

"Mary's 'Yes' Is the Reflection of Christ's Own 'Yes'"

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 25, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today before reciting the midday Angelus with several thousand people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

* * *

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

March 25 is the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This year it coincides with a Sunday of Lent and so will be celebrated tomorrow. In any case, I would like to linger over this stupendous mystery of the faith that we contemplate every day in the recitation of the Angelus.

The annunciation, narrated at the beginning of the Gospel of St. Luke, is a humble human event, hidden -- no one saw it, no one knew about it, but Mary -- but at the same time decisive for the history of humanity. When the Virgin pronounced her "yes" to the angel's announcement, Jesus was conceived and with him the era of history began which would be ratified at Easter as the "new and eternal covenant."

In reality, Mary's "yes" is the reflection of Christ's own "yes" when he entered the world, as is noted in the Letter to the Hebrews in an interpretation of Psalm 39: "As is written of me in the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, O God" (Hebrews 10:7). The Son's obedience is reflected in the Mother's and thus, by the meeting of these two "yeses," God was able to take on a human face. This is why the annunciation is also a Christological feast, because it celebrates a central mystery of Christ: his incarnation.

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your Word." Mary's reply to the angel is extended in the Church, which is called to make Christ present in history, offering its own availability so that God might continue to visit humanity with his mercy. The "yes" of Jesus and Mary is in this way renewed in the "yes" of the saints, especially the martyrs, who are killed because of the Gospel.

I emphasize this because yesterday, March 24, the anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Óscar Romero of San Salvador, we celebrated the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Missionary Martyrs: bishops, priests, religious, and lay people who were cut down as they carried out their mission of evangelization and human betterment.

These missionary martyrs, as this year's theme says, are the "hope for the world," because they bear witness that the love of Christ is stronger than violence and hate. They did not seek out martyrdom, but they were ready to give their lives to remain faithful to the Gospel. Christian martyrdom is justified only as the supreme act of love for God and our brothers.

In this Lenten season we often contemplate the Madonna as on Calvary she seals the "yes" she pronounced at Nazareth. United to Christ, the testimony of the Father's love, Mary lived martyrdom of the soul. Let us call on her intercession with confidence, so that the Church, faithful to her mission, bear courageous witness to God's love before the whole world.

Code: ZE07032505

Date: 2007-03-25

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Last Updated: 19 February 2013

"Recognize the Christian Heritage of Our Continent"

ROME, MARCH 25, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is the message sent by the participants of the congress "Values and Perspectives for Tomorrow's Europe -- 50 Years of the Treaty of Rome" to the political leaders of Europe.

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community convoked the March 23-25 congress to mark the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome.

* * *

1. In the light of the history of the European Community, we consider the treaties of Rome to be an important step on the way to bringing together European states and peoples. We are grateful for all that was done by many of those who represented our peoples in terms of their commitment to peace and European reunification, which is, nonetheless, not yet complete. Those European leaders were able to draw the right lessons from the aberrations of excessive nationalism and extreme totalitarian ideologies which led to war and to the destruction and denial of liberty.

The achievements of this past half century are set out in the report "A Europe of Values" of which this congress has taken note. We consider it to be our duty to carry on the work of European construction, bearing in mind that it is a century-long task. It took our forebears more than 100 years to build a new cathedral for just a few people. In 50 years we have built a new "cathedral" for all Europeans.

2. We recall that all member states freely joined the process of European integration when they signed and ratified the Treaty of Rome and successive European treaties. At present, in March 2007, the European Union faces significant new challenges which it must face if it is to safeguard its future. It must develop its international cooperation so as to fight poverty, especially in Africa.

It must combat the exploitation of women and children and the violation of human rights. It must face up to the causes and consequences of climate change. In this context, we must bring together the experiences of a greater number of member states. We must meet the rising expectation of our citizens in respect of the European Union's response to globalization. We must maintain an adequate level of social protection. It becomes ever more necessary to bring our citizens back into touch with political institutions which seem ever more remote and hard to understand.

All this urgently requires that the path already taken is strongly confirmed by a new and more broadly based justification for the European Union. This will allow it to rediscover its early dynamism so that, indeed, young Europeans, in ever growing numbers, will become Europe's greatest resource.

3. We follow with great interest the dialogue between the heads of state and government, the president of the European Parliament and the president of the European Commission, seeking a shared solution which will allow us to come through the present period of reflection in Europe. We hope that whatever the institutional solution that is found, it safeguards human dignity and the values which flow from it, such as freedom of religion in all its aspects. It must protect the institutional rights of Churches and of faith communities.

It should also explicitly recognize the Christian heritage of our continent. It is through a dialogue on and for the common good of our citizens that we shall best contribute to that strong social cohesion which, today, is so important and so necessary for Europe.

4. We ask that the EU be guided by the values and principles which have motivated European unification since its beginning. These are human dignity, equality of man and woman, peace and freedom, reconciliation and respect, solidarity and subsidiarity, the rule of law, justice and the pursuit of the common good. They are indispensable, particularly in the light of the return of nationalist, racist, xenophobic and selfish tendencies in our countries.

The European institutions should only act in matters which fall within their competence and not in matters that are of national competence. We therefore call on the member states in the framework of their democratic legislatures to respect life from its conception to its natural end and to foster the family as the natural union between man and woman in marriage. Respect for the legal and civil rights of individuals must not be allowed to undermine the institution of marriage, and the family as the basis of society.

5. As Christians, in our communities, in our associations and movements, we will contribute with our commitment to promote those initiatives which authentically respect human nature created in the image and likeness of God, as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, and thus promote authentic reconciliation, freedom, peace, solidarity, subsidiarity and justice. In the process of the continent's integration, as recalled by Pope John Paul II, "it is of capital importance to remember that the union will lack substance if it is reduced to its merely geographic and economic dimensions; rather, it must consist above all in an agreement about the values which must find expression in its law and in its life" (Ecclesia in Europa, 110).

May God bless Europe and may the Blessed Virgin Mary protect Europe.

Code: ZE07032526

Date: 2007-03-25