Desire for unity going out

(ANSA) - Vatican City, May 6 - Pope Francis said after receiving the Charlemagne Prize Friday that Europe's desire for unity seemed to be "going out" like a light, but there should be no "resignation" that this should happen. He also said he had spoken in the past about a Europe "of grandparents" because the old continent seems to "tired and aged", entrenching itself instead of promoting "new social dynamism". Francis said Europe should "rediscover" the plans for solidarity of its founding fathers, and, in a world that is being "torn apart", return to the "concrete generosity" of the postwar period. The whole of Europe, he said, must not "shut itself away in unilateralism but instead should "overcome the desire for closure". European identity has always been "dynamic and multicultural", he said, calling on leaders to "promote integration founded on solidarity". Dialogue with immigrants should be encouraged. A social-market economy should be fostered and corruption and speculation fought, the pope said. Europe is "inclusive if it creates jobs, especially for young people", he said. The Catholic Church, Francis said, should contribute towards the "rebirth" of a "tired" Europe.