Junker thanks pope for being 'conscience

(ANSA) - Vatican City, May 6 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Friday thanked Pope Francis for appealing to the European conscience over migrants, social justice and harmony between men and peoples. "In every day life we sometimes risk forgetting the value" of the European "conquest", Juncker said during the ceremony to confer on the pope the annual Charlemagne Prize awarded since 1950 to people who have contributed to the ideals upon which Europe has been founded. "For this reason I greatly appreciate the fact that you, Holy Father, appeal to our conscience, reminding us that we can and must live up to our responsibilities and better exploit them," the Commission president added. "At a time when we are faced with so many internal and external challenges, the strength that we Europeans gain from being together is more important than ever," Juncker said.