H.E. Msgr. Roberto Cassari at the Croatian Diplomatic Club , Photo by Paolo Mofardin

CROATIAN DIPLOMACY DAY

Cassari on ethical and civilization crisis in contemporary Europe

On the occasion of the Croatian Diplomacy Day the Croatian Diplomatic Club organized solemnly gathering of its members, former Croatian diplomats, and members of Diplomatic Corps in Croatia. Traditionally on 7th June Croatia marks the initial recognition of the Croatian state in 879, when Pope John VIII confirmed Duke Branimir as ruler of the Croatian people. H.E. Msgr. Roberto Cassari, Apostolic Nuncio, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps held a speech under the title "Europe today: identity, integration, values", that we issue entirely:

"I shall not elaborate too much on the historical letter of the Pope John VIII to the Prince Branimir in which Croatia was recognized as an independent and sovereign state. We are all aware how important this document is even now for the contemporary Croatia which is on its way to become a member of the European Union, and thus will contribute to the strengthening of the "solid European common house".

Which way is Europe going?

I have been kindly asked by Ambassador Morsan to treat briefly the following topic: "EUROPE TODAY: IDENTITY, INTEGRATION, VALUES". Even if is not an easy task to present this delicate argument in a few lines, I shall try to do it, without touching upon the economic aspects which are worrying our Europe today.

However, there are many who ask themselves the following questions: «Which way and in which direction is Europe going today? »

It would be difficult to give precise answers to these questions. Still, I believe that there is a strong conviction in the society (from an ordinary citizen to the lawgiver) about the urgent need, in this historical moment for Europe, to stress those human, ethical and moral values without which we could hardly build a real progress and peace in the future.

It seems that contemporary Europe, in spite of some real achievements, undergoes a great ethical and civilization crisis. This is the identity crisis, which concerns values and spirituality, and this possibly results in the political crisis, which again is the identity crisis.

The issue of the European Christian roots could depend strongly on the future developments, though even now there obviously exist certain contradictions in the secularizated West. Undoubtedly Christianity strongly influenced through centuries the formation of the values on which modern Europe is based, as well as the creation of the identity of European nations. In view of this immense intellectual and cultural patrimony it becomes obvious that, more than ever, a voice is needed that would clearly explain the importance and need to preserve the Christian teaching for the future of our continent, a voice that could integrate itself in the "European public place". And here we encounter the problem of the European "healthy laity" resulting from different ideas that confront and oppose themselves, but finally reach a common solution. It would be a grave error to imagine that our European future could be constructed without regards to our past, ignoring the rich humanistic and Christian traditions.

Human person under threat in its moral essence

Today in Europe, and also in other parts of the world, human person is often under threat in its moral essence. Manipulation of the public opinion by a segment of powerful media should make us cautious and awake. Human person is also often humiliated by the economic systems that exploit whole communities. Human person is moreover the victim of certain political and ideological regimes that imprison the soul of the peoples. Being a Christian, and even if not but if reasoning objectively, one could not remain silent and should oppose violent attacks on culture and identity, which tries to prevent people and communities, - using the state and legislative powers - to be themselves according to their specific vocation. History will condemn severely our epoch for suppressing and corrupting cultures in so many countries of the world.

I am here speaking to you as the representative of the Pope in this wonderful country, and allow me to underline that the Popes, Holy See, universal Catholic church, in various ways and circumstances, in the past as well as at present continue to remind us that the human person should always be in the centre of every social and political project, in Europe and elsewhere. Pope John Paul II often expressed the opinion that the real unity of Europe will not be possible if not founded on the "unity of Spirit". In this way he wanted to underline that it would be too restrictive to consider Europe politically united for economic and market interests only. Therefore, in the first place there should be the human person. Everything else just follows.

Three Benedicts who gave contribution to the Europe

I should like here to say more about three personalities with the name "Benedict", who at various historical periods gave and are still giving an important contribution to the European values, European identity and European integration.

The first was St. Benedict of Norcia, patron saint of Europe and founder of the Benedictine movement. Activity and the contribution of Benedict of Norcia (and the Benedictine order) to the history of Europe and the Church is evident by the deep traces they have left in the European context. They were creators of culture and civilization. They represented and still represent the decisive European spiritual network. Benedictine movement formed in Europe the universe of Christian communities that became the "islands of humanity", creating a close relationship between different European nations, based on faith.

The second was the Pope Benedict XV, tireless seeker of peaceful solutions in the world and the man who governed the Church among so many problems inherited after the 19'th century crisis. His work and his writings represent a precious guideline among the hatreds and nationalisms. He fought against various forms of totalitarianism that developed just in the period of his pontificate, resulting with the terrible tragedy of Armenians, but also creating many other victims. The Holy See of Pope Benedict XV was the only European institution unaffected by nationalistic passions. Pope Benedict XV emphasized that the First World War was the "suicide of the civilized Europe". After the end of the war he wrote the first encyclical letter on peace "Pacem Dei munus".

The third is the present Pope Benedict XVI. It is certainly not an accident that he decided to take the name Benedict. And in choosing this name the Pope obviously had in mind Benedict of Norcia and Pope Benedict XV. He expressed himself on the question of European values and European integration several times in his writings and his speeches, both before and after election to the pontificate. It would take much time to elaborate on this issue here. In any case, it is obvious that on the European cultural scene, and not only here, there is appearing what Benedict XVI called "relativistic totalitarianism", which tends to exclude all that is related to the Christian values and heredity. I shall quote just two thoughts of the Pope Benedict XVI. In his address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See last January, he said:" Sadly, in certain countries, mainly in the West, one increasingly encounters in political and cultural circles, as well in the media, scarce respect and at times hostility, if not scorn, directed towards religion and toward Christianity in particular. It is clear that if relativism is considered an essential element of democracy, one risks viewing secularity solely in the sense of excluding or, more precisely, denying the social importance of religion. But such an approach creates confrontation and divisions, disturbs peace, harms human ecology and, by rejecting in principle approaches other than its own, finishes in a dead end. There is thus an urgent need to delineate a positive and open secularity which, grounded in the just autonomy of the temporal order and the spiritual order, can foster healthy cooperation and a spirit of shared responsibility... I express my hope that in building its future, Europe will always draw upon the wellsprings of its Christian identity" (Address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, January 11, 2010). Benedict XVI again emphasized in Prague in September last year: "Europe has an irreplaceable role to play for the formation of the conscience of each generation and the promotion of a basic ethical consensus that serves every person who calls this continent ‘home'" (Meeting with Political and Civil Authorities and with Diplomatic Corps, September 26, 2009).

"Croats were always faithful to the popes"

I come to Croatia which is not far from its "entrance" into the "European common house". Croatia is a nation of a noble and firm Christian tradition, which has given generations of authentic believers and courageous witnesses of the Gospel, and also many martyrs for the faith. Today's challenges - after periods of great suffering - could be somewhat different than in the past, but certainly not lesser. Croatia is a lay country, but - as mentioned already - with a strong Christian identity. Croats were always faithful to the popes and to the Church. Croatian people love the Crucifix taken as a symbol of a specific history, given by the national culture and identity. In the context of past and recent history real civilizing values have emerged in Croatia, and still have to emerge and be protected. These values have a religious origin in Croatian history, like the tolerance, mutual respect, appreciation of the person, affirmation of human rights, even including freedom and autonomy of the moral conscience in front of authorities, human solidarity and rejection of every discrimination. Therefore: Croatia that would know how to take into account and testify, unconditionally, its Christian roots, Christian values of its own people, would no doubt be able to contribute to Europe which is at risk to become "old" prematurely.

In conclusion, I dare say that the people and the nations who deny their own past rooted in Christian values condemn themselves to have no future. This implies - in my opinion - that Europe, by denying its own past, would condemn itself to have no future. "