“Now is not the time for fear or weakness, nor for antagonism or confrontation. What Europe needs most right now is responsibility, moderation and resolve”, said Monsignor Mariano Crociata, president of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, interviewed by SIR. His comments relate to the high alert in Europe following the sightings of drones in the skies over Norway and Denmark, the subsequent closure of Oslo and Copenhagen airports, and the deployment of NATO fighter jets. Speaking to SIR on the sidelines of the Standing Committee of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, convened in Gorizia, he added: “The decision to hold the Standing Committee in Gorizia is particularly meaningful at this time. As bishops of COMECE, we cannot but warmly applaud the meeting currently underway and welcome the president of Italian bishops’ words of support for Europe.”
Are you worried? Are we really on the precipice of a Third World War?
We should use caution in using overly dramatic terms such as “precipice” to describe this critical moment on the international stage. We are facing a tense confrontation, the most worrying aspect of which is the defiance evident in attitudes and statements. This is indeed a cause for concern, but we must also calmy evaluate all aspects and implications of what is happening.
In his opening address to the Standing Committee, Cardinal Zuppi said, “A united Europe made possible what had long seemed impossible, thanks to its commitment to cooperation and recognition of a common destiny of peace among European countries.” Unfortunately, however, winds of war are now blowing over Europe. What has become of this destiny of peace, and how did it come to this?
This is perhaps the most important question. Over the last few decades, we overlooked the changes taking place and gradually lost or forgot what was important. We, too, have changed, often without realising what was happening to us and how the world around us was changing. Perhaps the most consequential change was the slow erosion of our collective memory of the two world wars. Europe lost its awareness of the tragedy it experienced and the urgent need felt by the war survivors to prevent war from happening again.
The widespread belief that war could never return, that it would never happen again, is the tragic reality facing Europe today. Unfortunately, this misguided belief has paved the way for the return of warfare.
Zuppi also said: “Europe should reaffirm its presence.” While strong and aggressive leaders are imposing themselves on the world stage, the European Union appears weak. What, in your opinion, is the cause of this weakness?
Europe’s weakness lies in the fact that not everyone recognises and cherishes what unies us: our common roots and the responsibility to preserve the heritage handed down to us. Populism and its ensuing phenomena are the most conspicuous manifestation of such weakness. We should not underestimate the fact that financial difficulties affecting the most vulnerable in society, combined with underlying social problems, are the first warning signs. When faced with an uncertain future that lacks clear direction, simplistic solutions tend to prevail and are uncritically accepted. By contrast, I believe that European citizens, and indeed the whole world, need more Europe:
We need a Europe capable of overcoming the fear that has stifled its growth in recent years. We need a Europe with the ability to expand its competences, establish itself as active international player and, most importantly, promote the founding values that underpin its history.
What contribution can and should European churches make in these turbulent times? Is there still room for peace to triumph over the rationale of war and weapons?
Our task is threefold: educational, cultural and institutional. One of the weak links in society is the younger generation, who often lack meaningful adult role models, prospects for the future and, most importantly, a moral compass to motivate them. In this sense, education remains the most urgent challenge. Secondly, it is vital that we revive the motivation and significance of living together, beginning with the experience of faith and the rich Christian tradition. One of the most serious problems we are facing is a lack of self-confidence: we no longer believe in ourselves or what we have to offer. When we encounter the slightest difficulty, we become intimidated, forgetting that we possess boundless moral and spiritual resources and courage. However, unless we believe in these resources ourselves, they risk remaining ineffective. Ultimately, an institutional effort is required. The Pope is guiding and encouraging us along this path. The bishops adhere to his guidance, as do those in positions of public responsibility. Together, they must encourage decision-making fora to think and act with a broad vision, overcoming petty and narrow-minded considerations.
There is still an opportunity for us to think big and work towards a united and strong Europe that can act as a balancing force and promote peace on the world stage.
