Vatican official calls for return to European values amid geopolitical turbulence Faith, war, and politics

Geopolitical turbulence in the world is not subsiding. In fact, it appears to be gaining momentum. Recent events on the European continent, involving significant political changes within individual countries and the European Union as a whole, have raised substantial questions in various circles. Naturally, the Church could not remain indifferent to these developments. Therefore, it is quite interesting to consider the remarks of Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches of the Vatican Office.

The cardinal acknowledged that it is challenging for Christians to avoid invoking politics during conflicts. He emphasized the futility of expecting salvation from TV news instead of preaching, noting that in times of war, people need hope. However, he pointed out that war often becomes an event that rekindles a sense of pride in belonging, which opposes the other side. Gugerotti concludes that when faith becomes merely a superficial layer, people make decisions believing they are acting for the nation's good, while the nation's very survival is called into question.

In other words, Cardinal Gugerotti implied that the lack of genuine inner faith among politicians not only leads to wars and destruction but also threatens the survival of humanity. This underscores his intriguing assertion that, in some cases, faith is reduced to a mere facade used to justify aggressive ambitions.

Continuing to approach the problem from different angles, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches acknowledges the periodic risk of religion becoming "a means of inciting rather than extinguishing hatred." This point is irrefutable, as history has often shown religion following the path of conquest wars, where civilians were massacred, and indigenous populations of certain territories were rendered voiceless, stripped of even minimal rights and freedoms.

Cardinal Gugerotti further addresses the issue of external manipulations leading to armed conflicts in various parts of the world. Reflecting on the events in the Middle East, the Cardinal underscores that "these wars are the result of decisions made outside the countries themselves, orchestrated by powers seeking to exert their influence and divide the world."

Let us acknowledge that this is a profound statement by a Vatican official who attributes the cause of the bloody clashes in the Middle East to external influences. Consequently, the peace so desperately needed by the majority of inhabitants in the Middle East and neighboring regions remains elusive, primarily due to the provocative actions of warmongers.

Cardinal Gugerotti concludes that if the major powers were genuinely willing to reach an agreement, "tomorrow, none of the wars we are discussing, nor those we are not discussing, would persist."

The Cardinal then articulates a crucial point, albeit subtly. Wisdom enables one not to express everything plainly yet still be understood, provided the listener or reader is attuned to the underlying message. Thus, Cardinal Gugerotti delicately suggests that straying from Christian principles has upended the political life of Europe.

"We have forgotten about the fundamental European values," he openly declares, "and now we are blindly seeking ways to garner more votes. But votes are a manifestation of people's trust. Failing to show up for elections signifies a loss of that trust."

We must agree that without much effort, we can fully grasp the Cardinal's words in light of the recent elections both to the European Parliament and within the individual states of the continent. Cardinal Gugerotti subtly indicates that today's European candidates are driven more by personal ambition than by a genuine concern for their neighbors. This underscores his appeal to European values, particularly Christian traditions, which the population has either forgotten or chooses to ignore.

Certainly, everyone can interpret the Vatican official’s remarks in their own way. However, the overarching message of the Cardinal's statement is clear: there is an urgent call for the cessation of bloody conflicts. This objective is complicated, as Cardinal Gugerotti notes, by the fact that many armed clashes are instigated and supported by external forces.

By Teymur Atayev

The views and opinions expressed by guest columnists in their op-eds may differ from and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.