Speech by Pope Francis to the authorities and diplomatic corps of Luxembourg

Below is the full speech that Pope Francis addressed this morning to the authorities and diplomatic corps of Luxembourg:

I am happy to make this visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. My sincere thanks to His Royal Highness; and also to the Prime Minister for the cordial expressions of welcome that he has extended to me and for the very familiar welcome with his family.

Due to its special geographical location, at the confluence of different linguistic and cultural areas, Luxembourg frequently found itself at the crossroads of the most relevant European historical events; Twice, in the first half of the last century, it had to suffer invasion and deprivation of freedom and independence.

Instructed by its history, the master story of its life, since the end of the Second World War your country has distinguished itself for its commitment to building a united and supportive Europe, in which each country, large or small, had its own role, finally leaving behind the divisions, contrasts and wars caused by exasperated nationalisms and pernicious ideologies. Ideologies are always an enemy of democracy.

It must also be recognized that when the logic of confrontation and violent opposition prevails, the places that are on the border between the powers in conflict end up being—in spite of themselves—strongly involved. When, however, the spirits finally find paths of wisdom, and opposition is replaced by cooperation, then those same places become the most appropriate to indicate, not only symbolically, the need for a new era of peace and the ways to follow.

Luxembourg, founding member of the European Union and its predecessor Communities, home to numerous European institutions, including the Court of Justice of the Union, the Court of Auditors and the Investment Bank, is no exception to this rule. And this is always done with peace, let us not forget that war is always a defeat. Luxembourg’s history of making peace is necessary. It is very sad that today, in a European country, the investments that give the most benefit are those in the arms factory. It’s very sad.

At the same time, the solid democratic structure of your country, which safeguards the dignity of the human person and the defense of their fundamental freedoms, is the essential requirement to play such a relevant role in the continental context. Indeed, the extension of the territory or the number of inhabitants is not the indispensable condition for a State to play an important role on the international scene, or for it to become an economic and financial nerve center. Rather, it is the patient construction of wise institutions and laws that, by regulating the lives of citizens according to criteria of equity and respect for the rule of law, place the person and the common good at the center, preventing and counteracting dangers. of discrimination and exclusion.

Luxembourg, a country of open doors, has a beautiful testimony of non-discrimination and non-exclusion. In this sense, the words that Saint John Paul II spoke when he visited Luxembourg in 1985 are still relevant: “your country,” he said, “remains faithful to its vocation to be, at this important crossroads of civilizations, a place of intense exchanges and cooperation.” among an increasing number of countries. I fervently hope that this desire for solidarity increasingly unites national communities and extends to all nations of the world, especially the poorest.” (Speech at the welcome ceremony15 mayo 1985).

By making these statements my own, I particularly renew my call for relations of solidarity to be established between peoples, so that all are participants and protagonists of an orderly project of integral development.

The social doctrine of the Church indicates the characteristics of this progress and the ways to achieve it. I have also joined in the wake of this teaching, delving into two great themes: the care of creation and fraternity. Indeed, development, to be authentic and comprehensive, must not plunder and degrade our common home nor must it leave people or social groups on the sidelines. All, all, brothers. Wealth—let us not forget—is a responsibility. For this reason, I ask for constant vigilance so as not to neglect the most disadvantaged nations, in fact, so that they are helped to escape their conditions of impoverishment.

This is an appropriate way to reduce the number of those forced to emigrate, often in inhumane and dangerous conditions. Let Luxembourg, with its peculiar history, with its equally peculiar geographical location, with slightly less than half of its inhabitants coming from other parts of Europe and the world, be a help and an example in indicating the path to follow for the reception and integration of migrants and refugees. You are a model of this.

Unfortunately, we must observe the resurgence, even on the European continent, of disagreements and enmities that, instead of being resolved on the basis of mutual good will, negotiation and diplomatic work, lead to open hostilities, with their consequences of destruction and death.

It seems that the human heart does not always know how to preserve memory and that it periodically goes astray and returns to the tragic paths of war. We have lost our memory on this. To cure this dangerous sclerosis, which seriously sickens nations and runs the risk of launching them into adventures with immense human costs, renewing useless massacres, it is necessary to look upward, it is necessary that the daily life of the people and their rulers be animated by high and deep spiritual values, which prevent the loss of reason and the irresponsible return to committing the same mistakes of the past, further aggravated by the greater technical power that human beings now have. And Luxembourg is at the center of the ability to make friends and avoid these paths. I would say it is one of your vocations.

As Successor of the Apostle Peter, in the name of the Church, which, as Paul VI said, is “an expert in humanity”, I too am sent here to testify that this vital sap, this ever new force of personal and social renewal is the Gospel. It is what makes us find sympathy among all nations and peoples. Sympathy, feeling equally. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only one capable of profoundly transforming the human soul, making it capable of doing good even in the most difficult situations, of extinguishing hatred and reconciling the parties in conflict. May everyone, every man and every woman, in complete freedom, be able to know the Gospel of Jesus, who has reconciled God and man in his Person, and who, knowing what is in the human heart, can heal their wounds. Always positive.

Your Royal Highness, ladies and gentlemen:

Luxembourg can point out to everyone the advantages of peace in contrast to the horrors of war, the advantages of the integration and promotion of migrants in the face of their segregation, and on this I thank you, for that spirit of welcome, of welcome. of immigrants and also in offering them an insertion in society. This enriches.

Also the benefits of cooperation between nations in the face of the disastrous consequences of hardening positions and the selfish and short-sighted, or even violent, pursuit of one’s own interests. And allow me to add one thing. I have seen that the percentage of births. Please, more children, more children. It’s the future. I’m not saying more children and fewer dogs, I say that in Italy. But you, more children.

Indeed, it is urgent that those invested with authority commit themselves, with perseverance and patience, to carrying out honest negotiations with a view to resolving disagreements, with a willingness to find honorable compromises that do not undermine anything and that can, instead, build security and peace for all.

“To serve”, “To serve”: with this motto I have come to you. It refers directly and eminently to the mission of the Church, which Christ, the Lord who became a servant, sent into the world as the Father had sent Him. But let me remind you that this—being servants—is also for each one of you…what is it for each one of you? The highest title of nobility, the main task, the attitude that must be assumed every day. May the good Lord grant you to always serve with a joyful and generous spirit. And those who do not have faith, work for their brother, work for society. This is a path for everyone, always for the common good.

That Maria Mother of Jesus, Comforter of the Afflicted, Patroness of the State and Country of Luxembourg Watch over Luxembourg and the world, and bring us peace and all good from your Son Jesus. May God bless Luxembourg.