Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament was honoured with the “2023 In Veritate Award” for her commendable efforts in integrating Christian and European ideals as reported by COMECE. The award ceremony took place on Friday, September 29 2023 during the XXIII International Krakow Conference. Fr. Barrios Prieto commended Metsola’s commitment to democracy Christian values and advancing European integration as a true inspiration to many. This year’s conference theme focused on “Consequences of the War. What will Europe be like? What will Poland be like?” explicitly exploring “The Role of Christians in the European Integration Process”.
The In Veritate Award serves as a tribute to individuals who have demonstrated skill in harmonizing Christian and European principles. It is named after H.E. Mgr Tadeusz Pieronek, a Polish prelate and one of the founders of the International Krakow Conference.
In her acceptance speech upon receiving the “2023 Bishop Tadeusz Pieronek In Veritate Award” Roberta Metsola emphasized the importance of upholding our values in a world plagued by war crimes and human rights violations. She highlighted how Christian and European values serve as a foundation for shaping a future European Union that includes like-minded democracies such as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and countries, in the Western Balkans.
Metsola emphasized the importance of shared beliefs and interests as well as the responsibility to support them.
“Our Christian and European values anchor us, they will help us prepare for a future European Union in which like-minded democracies such as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and the Western Balkans will be included. We share common beliefs and interests, and it is our responsibility not to let them down”
Father Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary General of COMECE expressed his gratitude to President Metsola and reiterated her commitment to democracy, Christian values and the promotion of European integration as an exemplary model.
The prestigious In Veritate Award was also presented to Reverend Andrzej Boniecki MIC, the Honorary editor-in-chief of the publication “Tygodnik Powszechny.”
A video message from His Excellency Monsignor Janusz Stepnowski, Bishop Delegate of the Polish Episcopate to COMECE and President of the COMECE Commission on Culture and Education conveyed congratulations to both recipients.
Father Barrios Prieto highlighted the significance of this Conference as a platform for dialogue among politics, academia, media, Church representatives and civil society during his opening remarks. He echoed Pope Francis’s aspirations for unity and peace in Europe today while calling for a revival of the European spirit that goes beyond immediate concerns or national boundaries. He emphasized diplomacy that fosters unity rather than exacerbating divisions.
This event was an endeavour by multiple organizations including the Bishop Tadeusz Pieronek Foundation, COMECE (Commission of Bishops Conferences of the European Union) The Robert Schuman Foundation, The European Peoples Party Group, in the European Parliament and its Polish delegation.
