Cardinal Hollerich emphasizes dialogue, compassion, in addressing Europe's current challenges

Cardinal Hollerich emphasizes dialogue, compassion, in addressing Europe’s current challenges

Posted by Admin May 23, 2024 World

People have grown accustomed to the European Union, often forgetting its benefits and the importance of supporting democracy, said Jesuit Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg.

Cardinal Hollerich, former president of COMECE – the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union unites the bishops’ conferences of EU countries – a member of the Council of Cardinals, and rapporteur of the Synod on the future of the Church, spoke with La Croix’s Loup Besmond de Senneville in an interview where he called for the forging of new European ideals, criticized the rise of populism, and offered a stern view on today’s political leaders.

“The European ideal partly rested on a Christian majority on the continent, recognizing an enlightened Christianity. The Union’s founders, particularly Robert Schuman and Alcide De Gasperi, were two convinced Catholics. Naturally, society has changed a lot in recent decades. But beyond that, Schuman and Gasperi were politicians. Today, we have politicos. Politicians lack convictions; they read the polls and adapt their views accordingly,” Cardinal Hollerich said ahead of the June 6–9 elections to choose new members of the European Parliament.

La Croix: How do you analyze the low voter turnout expected for the European elections and the phenomenon of withdrawal into national interests across the continent?

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich: We have become accustomed to the European Union. We are no longer aware of the benefits of this political institution and the will behind it. As a result, we tend to forget that democracy is precious and must be supported. At the same time, our continent is going through a crisis. Some economies are stagnating, and there is a fear of economic changes. Obviously, Europe and the West are no longer at the center of the world. The war in Ukraine revealed this: the West cannot create a global coalition against Russia. In a complex world, populism provides easy explanations that resonate with those who fear losing their identity.

Eighty years ago, European construction was an explicitly Christian project. Today, many believers and Catholics are tempted by the populist vote, which you denounce. How do you explain this?

This is a political consequence of the decline of Christianity and Catholicism in Europe. It is a fact: Christians are now a minority in Europe and will be even more so in the coming years. Politically, this has produced a lack of ideas.

Do you think the only possible European ideals are Christian?

No, I do not say that. Today, a large part of the population shares ideals such as ecology. I share these ideals because they are necessary to save humanity. But other ideals, like globalization, are carried by a small bourgeois, wealthy, and intellectual minority. As for the various socialist parties, in many countries, they have started to promote societal reforms rather than social ones.

“Politicians lack convictions; they read the polls and adapt their views accordingly. This is a huge mistake, and I see it at both the national and European levels. Political argumentation has taken a back seat. Today, our leaders lack a backbone.”

The European ideal partly rested on a Christian majority on the continent, recognizing an enlightened Christianity. The Union’s founders, particularly Robert Schuman and Alcide De Gasperi, were two convinced Catholics.

Are there no Schuman or Gasperi figures today?

Frankly, I don’t see any. Naturally, society has changed a lot in recent decades. But beyond that, Schuman and Gasperi were politicians. Today, we have politicos. Politicians lack convictions; they read the polls and adapt their views accordingly. This is a huge mistake I see at both the national and European levels. Political argumentation has taken a back seat. Today, our leaders lack a backbone.

Through COMECE, European bishops have called for voting for pro-European parties. Are they doing the right thing?

If I have to choose between two relative evils, an imperfect Europe or its absence, I will always choose the European Union. Not having this European Union would be by far the worst option.

That does not prevent us from critically viewing certain points, such as a particular concept of gender theory, which has become fashionable and repeated without knowing what it is. I sometimes feel we are governed by officials imposing a vision aligned with their sociological cause. This is a sign of a democratic crisis.

Regarding abortion, it is tragic that wealthy societies can only find the solution to kill unborn children. History will judge us. As for the new European immigration pact, it is a disaster. We forget human rights. Of course, we cannot welcome all migrants. But people must always be treated with recognition of their human dignity.

What should be the ideal of the European Union today?

It should be to treat people with dignity and engage in dialogue with other cultures. In Africa, French policy has been catastrophic. England has not done much better. Today, we are paying the price: they no longer believe in European values. Yet, we continue to talk to others like a schoolteacher to her students. If Europe continues this way, it will be hated. It is not necessarily about sharing others’ positions, but at least recognizing that Europe is just one actor among others.

We are witnessing a rise of populist parties across Europe, including with the assent of religious authorities. How do you analyze this phenomenon?

Some religious leaders see populism as a means to save Europe. I think they are gravely mistaken. They still believe it is the Church’s role to tell politicians what they should do. They have not understood that this no longer works. The laity, the baptized, know very well what to do. They do not need me to tell them.

Moreover, anything social does not interest them. They seem passionate about family and sexuality issues. It is curious that so many clergy are so interested in sexuality. This has always intrigued me. This concerns them a lot. This is where the European Union has its shortcomings. Therefore, they form alliances that are neither healthy nor holy.

Regarding Russia, I understand its opposition to Western policy in Ukraine. But to accept that men are killed, women are raped, and there is death and destruction is unacceptable. We have regressed. War is not a political means; the Church should forcefully say this.

Do you think there is a risk of a return of fascism in Europe?

It is already here. I do not want to offend Italy, but the ruling party is post-fascist. This scares me, especially since I come from a family where everyone was in the Resistance. As a little boy, I heard stories about World War II. I am part of the last generation to have heard direct witnesses of that war and have been influenced and educated by them.

Is Christianity still a resource for the European project?

Let’s imagine a new one. History teaches us that minorities, if they have clear ideas, can change history. Look at the Russian Revolution: the Soviets were a minority in Russia but convinced the rest of society.

Christianity has the strength of history. But if it uses this strength to advocate going backward, no one will be interested. Today, the European project should be about coming together to ensure justice, peace, and ecological justice. We must stop this climate change madness that will kill as many people as war. Vatican II Catholicism can engage in dialogue. Without dialogue, nothing can be achieved.