" Today, in that connection, I should like to quote St Francis of Assisi, who said ‘start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible’. "

Voorzitter Europees parlement  

Commenting on the election of his Holiness Pope Francis, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated:

"I congratulate Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio on his election to the papacy. I wish Pope Francis courage and strength.

The Pontiff has an opportunity for renewal at a time when the Roman Catholic Church faces numerous and momentous challenges.

The Pope offers guidance, inspiration and hope to hundreds of millions of believers across the world. The choice of a Pope from outside Europe is an encouraging sign.

A new impetus is necessary to revive the fundamental values which are at the basis of Christianity such as solidarity, peace among nations and peoples, tolerance and support for the weakest and the poorest.

These values are needed more than ever in a world which risks being engulfed in a spiral of materialism and inequality."

Press Release Strasbourg - 13-03-2013 

Tomorrow, Tuesday 19 March, at 9:30 CET, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz will attend the inaugural Mass of his Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican.
"Pope Francis has always been a man among the people, close to the poor, to those in need. This represents a hope both to believers and non-believers. The Pope has an open invitation to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg. I look forward to welcoming Pope Francis soon, to convey a European and universal message about our fundamental values that we need more than ever".

Press Release Brussels -18-03-2013

Foreign Affairs