…judges Francis’ idea on renouncing our own culture to benefit the refugees
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The Church and Europe are two realities intimately united, which have enriched each other with values that are not only the soul of European civilization but also part of the heritage of the whole of humanity
The Church and Europe are two realities intimately united in their being and destiny. Together they have journeyed down the centuries and are marked by the same history. In their meeting they have enriched each other with values that are not only the soul of European civilization but also part of the heritage of the whole of humanity. […] Young people of Europe, this is the challenge before you! You must give to the Europe of today the hope that you carry within you. Of course, it is not a question of creating a parallel Europe to the existing one but of showing this Europe that its soul and identity are deeply rooted in Christianity, in order to offer Europe the key to interpreting its specific vocation in the world. European unity will be lasting and fruitful if it is based on the human and Christian values that pervade its common soul, such as the dignity of the human person, a deep sense of justice and freedom, dedication to work, the spirit of initiative, love of the family, respect for life, tolerance, and a desire for cooperation and peace. (Cardinal Angelo Sodano. Homily at the closing Mass of the European Meeting of Young People, Santiago de Compostela, August 8, 1999)
…judges Francis’ idea on reforming the Church
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The missionary must not cease to be a disciple; he should give no more than he himself has received
As good disciples, Movements and Communities are likewise called to be witnesses and missionaries of the message received and to hold out a friendly hand to others, so that they too may discover Christ. They should reach out to those who do not yet know him and those who live their Christianity superficially, to those who should also be given the necessary support to strengthen their faith more and more every day and to form it correctly as they face the snares of a secularized mentality or a mindset that spreads religious indifference in many Latin American milieus. In this task, the missionary must not cease to be a disciple; he should give no more than he himself has received and continues to receive, nor should he put his own ideas first or seek his own advantage. (Cardinal Angelo Sodano. Message to the president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and the Latin American Episcopal Council, Bogota, March 9–12, 2006)
