Pope accepts unity prize, cites European dream
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, accepting a prize for promoting European unity, last week warned Europeans against the selfish temptation to put up fences to ward off newcomers, saying he still dreams of a Europe where migrants are welcomed.
“I dream of a Europe where being a migrant is not a crime, but a summons to a greater commitment on behalf of the dignity of every human being,” he told an audience including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Premier Matteo Renzi and Spain’s King Felipe VI.
“I dream of a Europe that promotes and protects the rights of everyone, without neglecting its duties toward all. I dream of a Europe of which it will not be said that its commitment to human rights was its last utopia.”
The pontiff, the son of European immigrants to Argentina, accepted the prestigious International Charlemagne Prize, for his “message of hope and encouragement.”
Echoing the famous “I have a dream” speech by U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Francis offered his vision of a Europe that cares for children, the elderly, the poor and the infirm, as well as “those newcomers seeking acceptance because they have lost everything and need shelter.”
Merkel praised Francis for sending “very clear messages.” She said his comments were a call “for us to act and keep Europe together — be it regarding the currency, or the protection of our external border, and above all not to forget the humanity and humanitarian duty of Europe.”
Francis said Europe is engulfed in a crisis of confidence, prompted by the threat of terrorism and surge of migrants, and giving strength to nationalistic sentiments that seek to undermine the notion of a united continent.
He bemoaned that the continent’s people “are tempted to yield to our own selfish interests and to consider putting up fences.”
He said youth unemployment was sapping the continent of its dynamism, and he called for new economic models that are “more inclusive and equitable.”
