Courage and real vision

As a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic crisis, the European Union might weaken, unless it strengthens solidarity amongst its Member States.
Without solidarity the gap between the richest Member States and that of the poorest ones is growing, thus the entire European Union is going to weaken. These were the topics –amongst others- of which Cardinal Jean- Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg, the President of COMECE (Commission of the Bishop’s Conferences of the European Union), and one of Pope Francis’ most important collaborators on European affairs, talked about in his interview made with the newspaper Nederlands Dagblab.

In Europe, as came up with his opinion the Church Leader, the health crisis had caused a chaos at first, the countries were thinking of themselves only and closed their borders. Thus no wonder that the reputation and the ideal image of the continent have been deeply damaged, lamented Hollerich. He also pointed out that some newspaper articles were criticising the North European countries, accusing them of silently watching how thousands of Italians were dying due to the pandemic.

The Cardinal pointed out: “we need European empathy, since it is not Italians, Spaniards or French who are suffering, but our brothers and sisters.”

Pope Francis’ counsellor on European Affairs added: All countries, including the ones acting along national patriotic instincts, have to understand that solidarity is the one and only which serves their interest.

Without cooperation firstly the Monetary Union, later on the entire European Union is going to fall apart. Besides from urging a cross-country solidarity, the cardinal sounded the alarm that current pandemic crisis can be nothing compared to the difficulties to be faced in terms of the climate change.
Cardinal Hollerich emphasized that new routes of the economy should also be decided, but with due regard for the ecological aspects. At the same time -warned the COMECE President- should people lose their jobs due to the environmental protection measures, they will resist and turn against these measures. The common good should be respected and kept: courage and real vision are the keys to make progress on both fronts.

As to the Cardinal this pandemic has clearly showed that we need the Church and its community, as the body of Christ.

Cardinal Hollerich believes that ideals are essential to build Europe further. The continent plays an important intermediary role even between China and the USA. Moreover, in the future we should go beyond simple tolerance, and move forward to the real need, to the love for each other – worded the Cardinal.

Source: international.la-croix.com
Photo: IEC