EPP leader Weber sees dispute over definition of "Christian Europe"

CSU European politician Manfred Weber spoke with Pope Leo XIV about the Christian basis of the European Union. "It was important for me to point out that right-wing extremist and nationalist forces claim to be defending Christian Europe, for example when it comes to migration," the MEP told the Catholic News Agency (KNA) after an audience at the Vatican on Monday. There is, so to speak, a dispute over the definition of "Christian Europe" between politicians such as Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the Christian Democrats. "I pointed out that we need the voice of the Catholic Church and the Pope to explain what Christian means."

Weber, who is Chairman of the European People's Party (EPP) and the EPP Group in the European Parliament, was in the Vatican together with members of an EPP working group on intercultural and interreligious dialogue. In his speech, delivered in English, the Pope called on politically active Christians to be "men and women of dialogue". Advancing the dialogue between cultures and religions is a "key goal for Christian politicians". To achieve this, it is necessary "to remain deeply rooted in the Gospel and the values resulting from it, while at the same time cultivating openness, listening and dialogue with people from other backgrounds.

In his speech, the Pope also referred to the Catholic-Christian Democrat founding fathers of the European Union, Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide De Gasperi. They were role models for "a way of thinking and acting that affirms the value of religion and at the same time preserves the distinction - neither separation nor mixing - from the political sphere".

Forgiveness as the foundation of Europe

Weber welcomed this reference to the Christian democratic basis of Europe. "It was a sign of encouragement that he realises that Europe is based on deeply Christian values such as forgiveness and overcoming hatred," said the politician. "In my response, I made it clear that we want to continue the European project in this Christian spirit."

The question of war and peace was also at the centre of the talks, said Weber. With regard to the war in Ukraine, he said he had made it clear that Putin was not seeking peace and that a clear word from the Church would be an important signal. Climate protection and artificial intelligence were also discussed.

"We were able to experience an open-hearted Pope who was full of motivation and interest. My experience of him was that he listens, really wants to understand and learn," said Weber, describing his impressions. The CSU politician is a Catholic and a member of the Central Committee of Catholics. Weber brought the Pope a themed candle from a candle factory in Deggendorf from his home in Lower Bavaria. Among other things, it is decorated with a depiction of the Virgin Mary and a European flag. (KNA)