Pope Francis in Portugal: Urgent Appeal to Europe

2023-08-02 14:02:00

In a speech to representatives of the Portuguese government and civil society on Wednesday at the Belém Cultural Center in Lisbon, he called for more action and called for renewed peace efforts.

In the face of wars and conflicts and the suffering and migration they cause, the pontiff criticized Europe for failing to make efforts to solve the world’s problems. “Where do you steer if you are not proposing to the world a course for peace, creative ways to end the war in Ukraine and the many conflicts that stain the world with blood?” Above all, the lack of a courageous peace course is noticeable, said the 86-year-old. In addition, more money is invested in weapons than in the future of the children.

Around half a million visitors are expected in Portugal over the next few days.
Image: (APA/AFP/VATICAN MEDIA/HANDOUT)

The Dream of the Heart of the West

Europe must also face its problems, said Francis. He criticized the treatment of migrants at the external borders and in the Mediterranean, the decline in the birth rate and the discussions about euthanasia. In addition, it seems to him that “global injustices, wars, climate and migration crises are progressing faster than the ability and often the will to face these challenges together,” said Francis.

Instead, he dreams of a “Europe as the heart of the West” that uses its ingenuity to put out trouble spots and ignite beacons of hope. The continent could be a driver for the global opening that is needed in the world. The world needs Europe, “the real Europe”, as a bridge builder and peacemaker. World Catholic Youth Day in Lisbon is an opportunity to build something together.

Frenetic cheers for the head of the Catholic Church
Image: (APA/AFP/THOMAS COEX)

Three construction sites of hope

The community plays an important role for Francis in this context. He named three “construction sites of hope” that include environmental, future and brotherhood issues that need to be worked on together. For example, he called for efforts to protect the climate, efforts to prevent fewer births and the promotion of a sense of community among people.

After his arrival in Lisbon, Pope Francis met the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for the official welcome ceremony at the Palácio Nacional de Belém. A meeting with Prime Minister António Costa is also planned.

“Will Return Rejuvenated”

When he arrived, the head of the Catholic Church said on the plane that he would return “rejuvenated” after the festival, according to the Ansa news agency. It is the fourth World Youth Day for Francis. Previously he participated in Rio de Janeiro (2013), Kraków (2016) and Panama (2019). Highlights of the visit include meeting sick youth in the Shrine of Fátima, where he is expected to pray for peace, evening prayer on Saturday and Holy Mass on Sunday.

The almost one-week major church event with a total of more than half a million participants from all continents was opened on Tuesday evening with a service. According to estimates by the steward services, around 250,000 people attended the evening mass led by the Lisbon Patriarch, Cardinal Manuel Clemente. According to Kathpress, around 3,000 young people and young adults from Austria are among the World Youth Day participants.