Coronavirus: Future of Europe at stake, warns Pope Francis

Pontiff’s words come at time of mounting political tension and mistrust among EU leaders

The future of the European Union is at stake as the continent continues to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak, Pope Francis warned during his Easter address.

In his Urbi et Orbi blessing – delivered to an empty St Peter’s Basilica in Rome – the pontiff urged political leaders to cast aside “rivalries of the past” and unite under a “spirt of solidarity”.

The Pope also acknowledged that, for many, “this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic difficulties.”

His words of caution come at a time of mounting political tension and mistrust in Europe, with the EU criticised for a lack of unity in its handling of the pandemic.

Even as the virus’s reach has been indiscriminately global, many countries have acted alone and in their own interests.

These lines of division have been highlighted by Europe’s economic response to Covid-19. Although finance ministers last week approved a €500bn (£430bn) rescue package to support the continent’s struggling countries, the decision not to finance the recovery fund through joint debt issuance, or so-called coronabonds, has sparked controversy.

While Giuseppe Conte, the Italian prime minster, said the deal was only a first step and that he would “fight until the end” for the bonds, the Netherlands has made clear its opposition to the mechanism. “We are and will remain opposed to #Eurobonds,” Dutch finance minister Wopke Hoekstra said. “We think this concept will not help Europe or the Netherlands in the long-term.”

Speaking on Sunday, the Pope said that the “selfishness of particular interests” posed a threat to “the peaceful coexistence and development of future generations,” and warned that the EU is “facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world”.

“Among the many areas of the world affected by the coronavirus, I think in a special way of Europe,” Francis said. “After the second world war, this beloved continent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past. It is more urgent than ever, especially in the present circumstances, that these rivalries do not regain force, but that all recognise themselves as part of a single family and support one another.

“Let us not lose the opportunity to give further proof of solidarity, also by turning to innovative solutions. The only alternative is the selfishness of particular interests and the temptation of a return to the past, at the risk of severely damaging the peaceful coexistence and development of future generations.”

The pontiff urged political leaders “to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities”.

“This is not a time for indifference,” he added, “because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic.”

In Britain, the Queen and the Archbishop of Canterbury delivered Easter messages that called for unity and resilience.

“This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe,” the Queen said in an audio recording. “Easter isn’t cancelled. Indeed, we need Easter as much as ever.

“We know that coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be, particularly for those suffering with grief, light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.”

Archbishop Justin Welby held Britain’s first national digital Easter Sunday service from his kitchen in London. He spoke of “a very difficult time, in the life of the nation and of the world”, and said his prayers were with those who were suffering.

Afterwards, he called on funeral homes and crematoria to show compassion and not to treat bodies like “cattle”.

“I say to crematoria and local authorities, don’t just dispose of bodies like we did in the foot-and-mouth episode with cattle,” he told The Andrew Marr Show. “Human beings must be said goodbye to with dignity even when it has to be swift and with very few people there.”