Pope Leo XIV encouraged a group of conservative politicians this week to preserve the principles of Western cultural and political thought, calling Europe’s Christian heritage “essential” to protecting the rights of “every human person, from conception to natural death.”
The Holy Father made the remarks in an address to the European Conservatives and Reformists Group of the European Parliament during its visit to the Vatican for a conference Dec. 9 – 12, according to the Vatican Press Office.
Pope Leo began his address by welcoming the group to the Vatican.
“I am pleased to have this opportunity to greet your Delegation on the occasion of your participation in the ECR Group Conference being held during these days here in Rome,” he said.
He went on to thank those present for their service, reminding them that “to hold any high office within society comes with the responsibility to advance the common good.”
“I especially encourage you, therefore, never to lose sight of the forgotten ones, those on the margins, those whom Jesus Christ called ‘the least’ among us,” he added.
Invoking St. Thomas More
Acknowledging there are disagreements even between the conservatives in attendance, the Pontiff noted that debating political matters with civility is a valuable way of bearing witness to a shared belief in each person’s dignity in the eyes of God.
“I invite you, then, to look to Saint Thomas More, the patron of politicians, whose wisdom, courage, and defence of conscience are a timeless inspiration for those who seek to foster the wellbeing of society,” the Holy Father said.
Europe’s identity is inherently Judeo-Christian
The “European identity,” Pope Leo said, “can only be understood and promoted in reference to its Judeo-Christian roots.” But “protecting the religious legacy of this continent” benefits all, he argued.
Christianity has contributed much to Europe and will continue to do so, he said.
“We need only call to mind some of the important developments in Western civilization, especially the cultural treasures of its towering cathedrals, sublime art and music, and advances in science, not to mention the growth and spread of the universities,” he remarked. “These developments create an intrinsic link between Christianity and European history, a history which should be cherished and celebrated.”
The importance of Catholic teaching today
Pope Leo pointed out how “the rich ethical principles and patterns of thought that are the intellectual patrimony of Christian Europe” continue to apply to important matters, including life issues, debated in the public square today.
The ideas handed down to us by Christian civilization “are essential for safeguarding the divinely bestowed rights and inherent worth of every human person, from conception to natural death,” the Holy Father said. “They are likewise fundamental for responding to the challenges presented by poverty, social exclusion, economic deprivation, as well as by the ongoing climate crisis, violence, and war.”
Encouraging Catholic political engagement
Citing Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Leo made a case for the importance of public engagement on the part of Catholic politicians and dialogue between the secular and religious worlds.
“Indeed, this public conversation, in which politicians have a highly significant role, is vital for respecting the specific competence of each, as well as for supplying what the other needs, namely a mutually ‘purifying’ role for ensuring that neither falls prey to distortions,” the Holy Father said.
Before concluding with a blessing on their work, Pope Leo offered his prayers “that you will play your own part in engaging positively in this important dialogue, not only for the sake of the people of Europe, but of our entire human family.”
Readers can find Pope Leo’s full remarks here.
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