Catholic bishops from four EU countries have issued a new pastoral letter in advance of the European Parliament elections in June.

Adopting a pro-EU stance, the bishops have urged people to “improve it with the tools that democracy offers us” and to “choose candidates who support the European project”.

The bishops recall the foundations of European integration and the issues it faces today, including national, geopolitical, economic, and migratory crises.

Confronted with this “crisis of European consciousness”, they say there is a need for “a new breath to choose unity in diversity and solidarity with individuals”. The prelates refer to a “European humanism” which they say encompasses the values shared by all Europeans and which should guide voting in the upcoming elections.

In particular, the Catholic leaders highlight a “humanism of dialogue” and an openness “to foreigners and migrants,”, while warning against the temptation of “closing off” one’s borders.

During the unveiling of the document, the bishops paid special tribute to Robert Schuman, a sainthood candidate who was declared “Venerable” in 2021.