Pope to address European Parliament on social, economic issues

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Pope will address the European Parliament and Council of Europe on Tuesday, Nov 25, on social and economic issues during a four-hour trip to Strasbourg.

According to BBC News, the Pope is expected to speak to both bodies about anti-immigration sentiment and unemployment in Europe.

Many of Strasbourg's Catholics are upset that Pope Francis will not meet them or visit the city's cathedral. Some Catholics have accused the Pope of neglecting Europe since his election in 2013.

Aside from Tuesday's visit to the French city, he has only visited Albania. The Pope has said that he is planning a second visit to France next year.

Residents of Strasbourg have been told they can watch both of the pontiff's speeches on a giant screen that will be installed inside the cathedral, which is celebrating its millennial anniversary.

Pope Francis' visit is the second papal visit to Strasbourg. In 1988 Pope John Paul II visited the city and addressed the European parliament where he was heckled by Northern Irish MEP the Rev Ian Paisley.

During his speech the late Pope called Europe "a beacon of civilization".The current Pope however has called Europe a "tired" continent which worships the "idol of money".

In Strasbourg, he is expected to call for greater tolerance and inclusion in response to the success nationalist parties have seen in parts of Europe. In May, several of these parties performed strongly in the European parliamentary elections.

Pope Francis is also thought likely to address Europe's ongoing economic crisis and the social problems that it has created.