By Martin Banks

A group of MEPs had an audience with Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday (10 December) at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, on the occasion of the ECR Group’s study days taking place in Rome.

Addressing the delegation of Euro parliamentarians, the Holy Father emphasised the importance of Europe’s Christian heritage and its enduring relevance for European identity.

The American-born pontiff said, “I readily echo the appeal of my recent predecessors that European identity can only be understood and promoted in reference to its Judeo-Christian roots.

“Moreover, everyone is a beneficiary of the contribution that the members of the Christian communities have made and continue to make for the good of European society. We need only call to mind some of the important developments in Western civilization, especially the cultural treasures of its towering cathedrals, sublime art and music, and advances in science, not to mention the growth and spread of the universities.”

The Pope continued, “These developments create an intrinsic link between Christianity and European history, a history which should be cherished and celebrated.”

The delegation was led by ECR Group Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki and included Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament Antonella Sberna and Roberts Zīle. During the audience, the ECR delegation presented the Holy Father with the Subiaco Declaration on the Principles of Conservatism.

Speaking after the audience, Procaccini said:“It was a great honour for us to be received by His Holiness. We shared with him the importance of defending Europe’s Christian roots, a fundamental pillar of Europe’s identity and an essential foundation for its future development.”

Further comment came from Jaki who said: “Meeting the Holy Father was a true honour. It is a powerful reminder that Europe’s political life must remain attentive to the ethical and spiritual substance that underpins its civilisation.”

At the conclusion of the audience, the Pope presented each of the Members of the European Parliament present with a blessed rosary.

Photo credit: ECR Group