Pope Leo XIV has urged leaders of Europe to embrace a vision of “healthy secularism” that affirms the value of religion while preserving its proper distinction from politics. Speaking to the Working Group on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, an initiative of the European Parliament, the Holy Father emphasized the vital role of dialogue between faith and public life.
“European institutions need people who know how to live a healthy secularism, that is, a style of thinking and acting that affirms the value of religion while preserving the distinction — not separation or confusion — from the political sphere,” Pope Leo said, according to Vatican News.
Rooted in the Gospel, Open to Dialogue
The Pope explained that authentic dialogue requires Christians to remain firmly grounded in the Gospel while opening themselves to respectful encounters with people of other traditions. “Being men and women of dialogue,” he stated, “means remaining deeply rooted in the Gospel and in the values that flow from it and, at the same time, cultivating openness, listening and dialogue with those who come from other backgrounds” (Vatican News).
Placing the human person at the center, he continued, is key to any effort at dialogue. This includes safeguarding human dignity and affirming the communal nature of humanity. “Religion,” he noted, “refers to the notion of connection as an original element of humanity,” and when cultivated authentically, it strengthens bonds between individuals and societies.
Religion’s Contribution to Society
The Pope stressed that religion contributes to both personal and social well-being. Far from being a private matter alone, faith plays a role in fostering healthier communities. “When authentic and well-cultivated, the religious dimension can greatly enhance interpersonal relationships and help people to live in community and society,” he said (Vatican News).
This perspective, he reminded the European representatives, is not without precedent. He pointed to leaders like Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, and Alcide De Gasperi—founders of modern Europe—who recognized the value of faith in shaping political life without confusing it with politics.
A Blessing on the Work of Dialogue
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the group’s ongoing efforts to build bridges among cultures and religions. He imparted his blessing and encouraged them to continue fostering respect and dialogue as an integral part of Europe’s mission.
For Catholics, the Pope’s words offer both encouragement and challenge: to live faithfully in the Gospel, to affirm the good of religion in public life, and to witness to Christ in a spirit of openness and dialogue.
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