Pope Francis in hot water? Pontiff receives angry call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel

'She was a bit angry because I had compared Europe to a barren woman, incapable of producing children.'

In 2014, Pope Francis delivered an address to European Parliament, in which he spoke of Europe's lack of connection among its people. He claimed the loneliness in the country led to an aging impression, like a grandmother who is no longer fertile. Now, two years later, the pontiff admitted German Chancellor Angela Merkel called him after his address and was quite upset.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - During an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera, Pope Francis admitted that his address bothered Merkel.

During his speech, Pope Francis said: "In my view, one of the most common diseases in Europe today is the loneliness typical of those who have no connection with others...This loneliness has become more acute as a result of the economic crisis, whose effects continue to have tragic consequences for the life of society.

"In recent years, as the European Union has expanded, there has been growing mistrust on the part of citizens towards institutions considered to be aloof, engaged in laying down rules perceived as insensitive to individual peoples, if not downright harmful.

"In many quarters we encounter a general impression of weariness and aging, of a Europe which is now a 'grandmother', [sic] no longer fertile and vibrant. As a result, the great ideas which once inspired Europe seem to have lost their attraction, only to be replaced by the bureaucratic technicalities of its institutions."

Though it is clear Pope Francis was focused on loneliness, Merkel was still upset by the address and made a call.

"She was a bit angry because I had compared Europe to a barren woman, incapable of producing children," the pontiff recalled. "She asked me if I really thought Europe could no longer make children. I told her yes it can, and many, because Europe has strong and deep roots...in the darkest moments, it has always shown itself to have unexpected resources."

After his admission that Merkel was compelled to call him, Pope Francis' interview continued and the Holy Father spoke of building up diplomatic relationships, saying, "You have to build bridges, step by step. Up to the point where you can shake the hand of the person on the other side."
Pope Francis believes "Russia has a lot to give," particularly as the Vatican and Russian views have overlapped during the Syrian civil war and fight against ISIS.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'

Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online