Opinion: Harsh Analysis, Moving Words

Representatives in the European Parliament received a harsh critique of the state of Europe from Pope Francis. Nevertheless, his speech in Strasbourg was a glowing appeal that awakened hope, says DW's Christoph Strack.

No, it was not just the seductive and appealing messages we have become accustomed to hearing from Pope Francis. The church leader's speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg was a clear warning.



Pope Francis is from far away. He has the perspective of a Latin American and also of those who are persecuted and seeking help on the fringes of Europe. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became pope last year, was born to parents who emigrated from the "old continent." When he was young, Europe was defined by his grandparents.



And now he speaks of an "impression of Europe, which resembles a grandmother, no longer fertile and vibrant." His warning is reminiscent of some of his internal church appearances. "If it remains as it is, it won't last. It must become something else, in order to survive …" There also, his words meet not infrequently with a mix of irritation and enthusiasm.



Harsh criticism



The pope's speeches to the European Parliament and the European Council were a wakeup call. Europe is "tired" and "injured," "pessimistic" and "scared," "warped within itself," it is losing itself in unbound "consumerism" and is maintaining a "throwaway culture." That was a downright distressing analysis. On that note however, Pope Francis also recalled how in 1945 Europe had risen like a miracle in a spirit of community out of enmity, hatred and destruction.



As the president of the European Parliament, the German Martin Schulz, greeted the guest of honor with a few thoughtful sentences in German, Francis did not need a translator. He speaks several of Europe's diverse languages, but does he understand Europeans themselves?



European parliamentarians from 28 countries who have yet to coalesce in the newly elected parliament were his audience. The pope reminded them that they are not sitting there just to make new regulations or simply to collect their parliamentary pay and perks, but to work for the people and for a bold, responsible Europe. The speech was interrupted with applause more than a dozen times.



Glowing appeal for a united Europe



That the pope's words became a great speech is due to the fact that Francis, with his own composure, read words dominated by hope. No, there were no decisive subjects, such as the openness to refugees or the commitment to alternative energies. For Francis, it was about the spirit of togetherness and cooperation and mutual understanding that comprise a united Europe.



"This story by and large must still be written," he said, contrasting his sobering analysis with his clearer "message of hope." As a Christian, he spoke of the hope in God, who can turn evil into good and death into life.



Francis concluded his speech with words reminiscent of a hymn. Even after all the critical words, he painted a picture of a Europe the world is waiting for, and certainly that this pope is waiting for, to which European politicians make pilgrimages when they are helpless and at a loss for answers. Francis' speech was a glowing appeal for solidarity, and a down payment on a new Europe, "a precious reference for all humanity."