Pope Francis awarded Charlemagne prize: people and values at the centre of politics

"Awarding the Charlemagne Prize to Pope Francis sends an important signal. In these times, when many citizens in Europe are looking for direction and the European Union is facing essential challenges, His Holiness transmits a message of unity and cooperation. He puts people and values at the centre of politics - the ideals of Europe’s founders," commented Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, on today's award of the Charlemagne Prize to Pope Francis.

"The EU is, first of all, a community of common values. Pope Francis speaks for a community based on values such as humanity, the protection of resources and dialogue between cultures and religions at a European level. The Pope holds a mirror up to Europeans to encourage them to take humanitarian policy seriously, especially during the current crisis. For the EPP Group, this is the main focus of its policy."  

"A two thousand year history links Europe and Christianity. It is a history not free of conflicts and errors, but one constantly driven by the desire to work for the good of all," said His Holiness during his speech at the European Parliament. "This history, in large part, must still be written. It is our present and our future. It is our identity."