Pope Francis received the prestigious Charlemagne Prize on Wednesday 4th May for his unification work in Europe.
In his acceptance speech he said:
“There is an impression that Europe is declining, that it has lost its ability to be innovative and creative, and that it is more concerned with preserving and dominating spaces than with generating processes of inclusion and change.”- “I dream of a Europe that is young, still capable of being a mother: a mother who has life because she respects life and offers hope for life. I dream of a Europe that cares for children, that offers fraternal help to the poor and those newcomers seeking acceptance because they have lost everything.”
- “I dream of a Europe that promotes and protects the rights of everyone, without neglecting its duties towards all,” a Europe “of which it will not be said that its commitment to human rights was its last utopia… where being a migrant is not a crime but a summons to greater commitment on behalf of the dignity of every human being…”