Vatican
City, 18 January 2013
(VIS) – Today, the French and German Bishops' Conferences
published a joint declaration marking the 50th anniversary of the
Elysee Treaty, signed on 22 January 1963 by General Charles de Gaulle
and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to seal the reconciliation between the
two opposing nations after the Second World War. On 8 July 1962, both
heads of state attended a Mass of reconciliation in the French
cathedral of Rheims.
The
declaration stressed the friendship between the two peoples and,
reflecting on the peace gained at such a high price, extended a call
for understanding in facing Europe's present and future.
"Simultaneously,
the Elysee Treaty," the text reads, "was the height of the
reconciliation between the two enemy nations and the starting point
for the deepening of friendly relations through political and social
contact at all levels. As bishops, we warmly embrace everything
gained in the signing of the 'Treaty of Friendship'. Today,
Franco-German friendship seems obvious and neither politicians nor
citizens have a feeling for the exceptional nature of these
relations. And yet, the friendship between our two countries and
peoples is now more important than ever for overcoming the current
crisis and for shaping the future of Europe. …"
"The
crisis has revealed irresponsible behaviour in various areas and has
sorely tested the solidarity between the European countries.
Solidarity and responsibility must be more closely connected to the
future of Europe. In this regard, the Franco-German reconciliation
remains an example of political responsibility and solidarity."
At
the Mass of reconciliation in the cathedral of Rheims, Konrad
Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle "symbolized the awareness that
politics is built upon foundations that it cannot build itself. Love
for one's enemies is a strong Gospel demand that the two statesmen
were capable of carrying out. Since then, the European Union has
brought peace and prosperity to its countries. With the economic
crisis, however, we see that contempt and mistrust between the
European nations are reappearing: the rejection of foreigners, the
absence of solidarity. The global economy and the cultural and
religious mixture have given rise to other enemies. All over Europe,
populist movements advocating withdrawal into self interests are
flourishing. The economic crisis reveals a moral crisis, where the
meaning of life no longer forms part of relationship with others or
the demands of justice."
France
and Germany "can and must return to the history of their
reconciliation and friendship in order to face the consequences of
our current problems. We can also draw inspiration from the past in
order to help the European Union establish long-term, solid political
structures and an authentic social market economy. We must act to
ensure that the respect for human dignity, the common good, and the
principles of solidarity and subsidiarity always guide European
integration."
The
Church also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty as
"an opportunity to recall, particularly for the youngest
generations, that reconciliation is not an empty word but an actual
path."
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