Pope keeps European Parliament on tenterhooks

Cathcon translation of
Benedikt XVI. lässt EU-Parlamentspräsidenten zappeln

The EU parliament adorns itself with prominent guests. The Dalai Lama was already there, the South African Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu also - as well as the Russian opposition leader, Garry Kasparov.

Last week, Prince Charles gave royal splendour to Brussels and gave the European Parliament a fiery speech about the issue dear to his heart, climate protection. Only one person keeps the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering on tenterhooks: Pope Benedict XVI.

Reportedly, the Parliament of MEPs sent an invitation to the Vatican about a year ago, but the Pope wraps himself in silence - why, no one knows, and no one dares to get to the bottom of it. One can only wait and hope, they say. Nothing more.

Some suspect that the reluctance of head of the Church is associated with the bad experiences of his predecessor. When Pope John Paul II once graced the MEPs with a visit, he was was reviled by the Northern Irish Protestant leader and current Prime Minister Ian Paisley as "the anti-Christ" and was thrown from the floor under loud protests.

Although this is 20 years ago - but today nobody can exclude embarrassing scenes. There are enough troublemakers in Parliament. Just back in December, a group of EU-sceptics from Britain, Poland and the Czech Republic had ensured a scandal, as they disrupted the solemn signing of the EU reform treaty with jeers and foot stamping.

A Papal visit for the "European Year of Intercultural Dialogue" would suite the EU, as the year is full with many dignified events. In January, the Great Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Ahmad Badr Al-Din Hassoun, talked to the MEPs. "There is no holy war, but peace is sacred," he said in his speech to much applause.

Also, the British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks,the Israeli President Shimon Perez, the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon are on the invitation list of Parliament – an assembly of names that does not please everyone.

"It is scandalous that the European Parliament invites old men and not a single woman," complained the Swedish Green Carl Schlyter. Alternatives, however, he has not mentioned, not even a single old woman. These proposals are certainly welcome - as would be a sign from the Pope. But there is nothing ....

Surely the Pope has not gone so far as to identity these two. Although when you go inside the Strasbourg Building, one does find a courtyard, as the whole edifice is hollow and there is much talking, the content of which only insiders can understand.