Pope Francis complains of 'haggard' Europe in Strasbourg
25 November 2014 Last updated at06:01 ET
The Pope spoke of a need to reinvigorate Europe
Pope Francis was greeted by the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz (right)
Pope Francis complains of 'haggard' Europe in Strasbourg
The Pope spoke of a need to reinvigorate Europe
Pope Francis has warned that the world sees Europe as "somewhat elderly and haggard", during a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
The Pope said the continent felt "less and less a protagonist", in a world that regarded it with mistrust.
He also called for a "united response" to the arrival of boatloads of poor and desperate migrants in Europe.
Pope Francis's whistle-stop visit to Strasbourg has disgruntled some, who have accused him of neglecting Europe.
Many of Strasbourg's Catholics are upset that he will not meet them or visit the city's cathedral.
'Grandmother'
The Pope will also later address the Council of Europe, Europe's main human rights body.
His four-hour trip - the shortest visit abroad made by any Pope - is his second European trip since his election, after going to Albania in September.
Pope Francis was greeted by the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz (right)
He visited the Italian island of Lampedusa in July 2013 to meet and pray for migrants.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Pope called for action following the deaths of thousands of migrants by drowning.
"We cannot allow the Mediterranean to become a vast cemetery," he said.
"The absence of mutual support within the European Union runs the risk of encouraging particularistic solutions to the problem, solutions which fail to take into account the human dignity of immigrants, and thus contribute to slave labour and continuing social tensions."
He spoke of a need to reinvigorate Europe, describing the continent as a "grandmother, no longer fertile and vibrant".
"The great ideas which once inspired Europe seem to have lost their attraction, only to be replaced by the bureaucratic technicalities of its institutions," he said.
Residents in Strasbourg were told they could watch both the pontiff's speeches on a giant screen installed inside the cathedral, which is celebrating its millennial anniversary.
On Sunday one worshipper told Reuters: "I think there is disappointment but I think he also has reasons for making his decision.
"He knows what he is doing but we would have liked him to be here."
'Tired' continent
Pope Francis is making 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.
Pope John Paul II was heckled during a visit to Strasbourg in 1988
During his speech the late Pope called Europe "a beacon of civilisation".
The current Pope however has previously called Europe a "tired" continent which worships the "idol of money".
During his visit to Strasbourg, he is also 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 has said that he is planning a second visit to France next year.bbc
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