Greetings to you all, good morning.
We begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Peace be with all of you.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

I am pleased to welcome those of you from the European Parliament who have established the “Working Group on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue.”  I congratulate you on this initiative and hope that it will bear much fruit.

Promoting dialogue between cultures and religions is a key objective for a Christian politician, and thanks be to God there is no shortage of people who have given good witness in this regard.

Being men and women of dialogue means remaining deeply rooted in the Gospel and in the values that flow from it and, at the same time, cultivating openness, listening and dialogue with those who come from other backgrounds, always placing the human person, human dignity, and our relational and communal nature at the center.

Participation in interreligious dialogue, by its nature, recognizes that religion is of value both on a personal level and in the social sphere. The word religion itself refers to the notion of connection as an original element of humanity.  Therefore, when authentic and well cultivated, the religious dimension can greatly enhance interpersonal relationships and help people to live in community and society.  And how important it is today to emphasize the value and the importance of human relationships!

European institutions need people who know how to live a healthy secularism, that is, a style of thinking and acting that affirms the value of religion while preserving the distinction — not separation or confusion — from the political sphere.  In particular, it is worth noting the examples of Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide De Gasperi.

Dear friends, I thank you for your visit. I thank you for the work you are doing in promoting dialogue among all people and respect for all people, and I ask God's blessing upon you and your work. Thank you very much.