Cardinal Parolin urges Europe to renew its commitment to peace
Vatican News
Bringing the greetings of Pope Leo XIV to the European Union Parliament’s plenary assembly, Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered a speech noting that harmony among peoples is “a promise founded” on the Union’s values and “must be constantly nourished” through concrete choices aimed at protecting peace.
The Cardinal Secretary of State was at the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, having been selected to receive the inaugural “European Order of Merit” awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to European integration and the promotion and defence of European values.
At the foundation of the bloc’s “shared conviction” of the need to promote and protect peace, the cardinal said, lie values deeply rooted in the Christian history of Europe that can still offer eloquent testimony today.
“Among these,” he added, “is first and foremost the affirmation of human dignity, which is inviolable and must always be protected at every stage of life.”
In conclusion, Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed the Holy See’s willingness to cooperate with European institutions to be “artisans of peace” together.
The Order of Merit
The European Order of Merit was launched on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration - the starting point of European unity.
As stated on the European Parliament website, it is the first European distinction of its kind granted by EU institutions, and it complements national distinctions and decorations by recognising efforts that strengthen Europe as a whole.
At a time of global uncertainty, its goal is to reaffirm shared values by honouring those who defend peace, democracy, and human dignity.
Among the twenty recipients of the award, alongside Cardinal Parolin, were former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, and former Portuguese Prime Minister and President Aníbal Cavaco Silva.
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