Reading this from Vatican website, the first few paragraphs caught my attention. The Holy Father is bridging the gap between the present times and the contributions of the European elders. The Pope reveals a call of action to respond as a Christian region.
He draws the attention of the conference to the opening words of St. Benedict in the Rule of St. Benedict, particularly the Prologue where the saint cited Psalms 34:12 “Who is the man that longs for life and desires to see good days?”
Pope Francis talked about how St. Benedict concern focused not on social status or material wealth but human dignity, how man is perceived by God who was created according to His image. The pope referred to the contributions of monasticism in the glory days of the European civilization.
He continued that if we are able to see men with their human faces, we can respond to their needs not as numbers or quotas but with a goal of unity. He wants the European region to be a community not divided. Each citizen of the region must have a sense of belonging rather than feel isolated and with a sense of Christian identity. The family is the core of Europe.
Due to diversity, Pope Francis calls for dialogues. Religion can be used as a powerful agent of dialogue leading to a better understanding of the responsibilities of the European leaders present in the conference.
Pope Francis calls for solidarity but this means taking care of the most vulnerable in the society. He recognizes the diminishing rate of the population of the youth. He calls for education as an important aspect that must be shared by all members of the society so that it will not weaken affecting the future of Europe.
He calls for the government to provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.
Pope Francis challenges the community to a commitment for peace. He noted the effects of early 20th century battles that caused devastation. War will not lead to development and peace.
He ended his speech by referring back to St. Benedict as the patron of Europe. The pope said, "Sustained by faith, Benedict looked ahead, and from a tiny cave in Subiaco he gave birth to an exciting and irresistible movement that changed the face of Europe. May Saint Benedict, “messenger of peace, promoter of union, master of civilization”10 make clear to us, the Christians of our own time, how a joyful hope, flowing from faith, is able to change the world."