In his speech to the EPP leaders, the Pope criticized the "harsh and inhumane" policies of some European countries towards immigrants and refugees. He called on leaders to show more empathy and to work towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive society. The Pope made the comments during a speech he gave from his hospital room, where he is recovering from surgery.
“Fraternity can be a source of inspiration for those who today want to re-animate Europe so that it fully responds to the expectations of both its peoples and the whole world. Because a European project today can only be a global project,” he said. The Pope defined fraternity as concrete actions of good politics at all levels: local, national, and international. "Challenges like that of migration, or that of caring for the planet, to me seem like they can only be faced starting from this great inspiring principle: human fraternity,” he said.
The Pope also spoke about the urgent need to address climate change, calling it a "global emergency" that requires immediate action. He urged leaders to take bold steps to reduce carbon emissions and to transition to renewable energy sources. Many conservative leaders have taken a hardline stance on both issues, arguing that stricter immigration policies and a focus on economic growth are necessary to protect their countries. However, the Pope's message of compassion and environmental stewardship has resonated with many people around the world.
Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of fostering multiculturalism and recognizing the contributions that migrants can make to society. Since his election in 2013, he has been a powerful voice on the topic of migration.
The pontiff said the European vision they must adhere to is one of “unity and diversity”. “A Europe that fully values the different cultures that make it up, its enormous wealth of traditions, languages, identities, which are those of its people and their histories; and which at the same time is capable, with its institutions and its political and cultural initiatives, of ensuring that this very rich mosaic composes coherent figures,” he said.
The Pope called on world leaders to take action to address these pressing issues, and have urged Catholics and people of all faiths to work towards creating a more just and sustainable world. The Pope's message has been well-received by many people, but it has also faced criticism from some conservative leaders who argue that his views are out of touch with the realities of modern politics. The EPP is the largest political party in the European Parliament. It was founded by several Christian-democratic parties and center-right democratic parties from across Europe in 1976
