(Strasbourg) “In joyfully receiving this honour, I wish to reiterate the Holy See’s willingness to cooperate with the European institutions to promote the dignity of every human being and, together, be artisans of peace to the benefit of our Europe and of the whole world”. With this message, card. Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, received the honour of the European Order of Merit during the plenary session in Strasbourg on Tuesday morning.

Parolin’s speech, from the centre of the floor, was applauded by the attendees, with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the delegate of the European Council, Marilena Raouna, sitting in a circle next to the laureates of the Order of Merit, which has been held for the very first time this year. (EU Video News)