Pope Leo XIV via The Holy See:

Yet in order to understand this long history, we cannot overlook another founding father of Europe: Saint Benedict, whom Saint Paul VI proclaimed its patron in 1964, describing him as a “messenger of peace, craftsman of unity, teacher of civilization.” Care for the poor, the sick and the elderly; education of children and universities; hospitals and medicine; architecture and engineering; the development of the sciences; law and the organization of cities and States themselves — so much in Europe stems from the profound influence of Saint Benedict and his monks!  Without this monastic tradition, European civilization as we know it would not exist….

We cannot speak of Europe, then, without mentioning Christianity. Robert Schuman understood this when he wrote: “Christianity taught the equality of all people by nature, as children of the same God, redeemed by the same Christ, without distinction of race, color, class or profession.  It taught the dignity of work and the duty of all to undertake it.  It recognized the primacy of those inner values which alone ennoble the human person.  The universal law of love and charity made every person our neighbor, and it is on this that social relations in the Christian world have since been founded.”

Another founding father of modern Europe was Alcide De Gasperi, who expressed the same idea, emphasizing that the “common European heritage” is “that shared moral outlook which exalts the human person and his or her responsibility, with its spirit of evangelical fraternity, its respect for the law inherited from the ancients, its love of beauty refined over the centuries, and its commitment to truth and justice sharpened by a thousand years of experience.”

Far from being an exclusively religious criterion, recognizing Europe’s debt to Christianity helps us understand more clearly that openness to the transcendent is always a constitutive part of the human person and a living source of civilization….

This twofold movement — returning to our roots and then engaging in dialogue — can also help us to restore a proper balance both among the rights themselves and between rights and duties.  As Pope Francis always reminded us, “The equally essential and complementary concept of duty no longer seems to be linked to such a concept of rights. As a result, the rights of the individual are upheld, without regard for the fact that each human being is part of a social context wherein his or her rights and duties are bound up with those of others and with the common good of society itself.”…

We must grasp the historical significance of what is taking place, namely an unprecedented encounter between peoples and cultures, which calls us to rediscover our roots in new and creative ways, while at the same time listening carefully to others.  The universal character of Europe’s founding values assures us that this dialogue is possible and that it can provide a solid foundation for our societies, enabling us to work more effectively for peace and a reconciled world….

Robert Schuman, who lived through a time of constantly shifting borders, helped to lay the foundations of a Europe that was aware of the urgent need to tear down the walls that were dividing it.  His Christian formation taught him the value of equality, without distinction of race or social class, and the dignity of work.  The succession of different national sovereignties taught him the importance of international law and the value of keeping one’s word.  Having grown up in an environment where pride and a spirit of revenge seemed to prevail, Schuman committed himself to peace and fraternity among peoples who, after having been in conflict for so long, finally recognized their need for each other.

What, then, can Robert Schuman teach Europe and the world today? First of all, a deep desire for peace. Today, sadly, war has returned, even to Europe: a new “senseless slaughter,” claiming countless civilian lives every day.  And today, as in 1950, the words of the Schuman Declaration remain timely: “An organized and revitalized Europe can make a contribution to civilization which is indispensable for maintaining such peaceful relations.” We need to commit ourselves to patient dialogue, to show courage in negotiation and to be willing to give up some positions for the greater good of peace.

Of course, the search for peace in Europe, as throughout the world, must not be confused with a naïve form of pacifism. On the contrary, Schuman’s words are more relevant than ever: “World peace cannot be safeguarded if constructive efforts are not made commensurate with the dangers that threaten it.”…

International law and multilateralism emphasize the genuine equality of States in their relations and constitute the best antidote to the desire for domination, which lies at the root of every conflict.  Today, relations between individuals and States are becoming increasingly uncivilized.  The value of keeping one’s word is dismissed; instead, people boast of lies and deceit.  Europe can help to break this cycle through the respect for others that it has learned to cultivate and preserve.  Over the past eighty years, Europe has amply demonstrated that it is possible to articulate divergent opinions, claims and interests through encounter rather than conflict….

To young people, I say: have the courage to take up with responsibility the task of promoting peace — in your hearts, in your relationships, within your families, in schools and universities, in your cities and countries, and throughout all of Europe.

Do not give in to the mentality of violence and oppression.

Love life at every moment, and do not be afraid of the future!

Do not be afraid to start a family, to bring children into the world, to defend the dignity of every person, from the moment of conception to death.

Do not be afraid to work tirelessly for the good of your communities, including through political engagement.

Be builders of community!

And with you, Europe, firmly rooted in its heritage, will continue to flourish and to inspire the whole world.

May God sustain you in these commitments, and may he bless and protect all of Europe.