Pope warns the EU 'risks dying' and is facing a 'vacuum of values', as the bloc marks its 60th anniversary 

  • Pope Francis has condemned anti-immigrant populism and extremism
  • Prime Minister and Presidents are in Italy to mark 60 years since the Treaty of Rome
  • Celebrations have been tempered by a string of crises and econimoc turmoil 

By Rebecca Taylor For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Pope Francis told Europe's leaders on Friday the continent faced a 'vacuum of values' as they marked the EU's 60th birthday, condemning anti-immigrant populism and extremism that he said posed a mortal threat to the bloc.

Prime ministers and presidents from 27 EU member states have descended on Italy to mark the 1957 founding Treaty of Rome, receiving a papal blessing on the eve of the anniversary.

Pope Francis delivers his speech before the leaders of the EU during an audience at the Vatican as they mark 60 years since the Treaty of Rome

Pope Francis delivers his speech before the leaders of the EU during an audience at the Vatican as they mark 60 years since the Treaty of Rome

However, celebrations have been tempered by a string of crises, including prolonged economic turmoil, an influx of migrants and Britain's decision to leave the bloc, that have raised fears for the future of the union.

'When a body loses its sense of direction and is no longer able to look ahead, it experiences a regression and, in the long run, risks dying,' Francis told the leaders gathered in an ornate, frescoed chamber in the heart of the Vatican. 

Pope Francis shakes hands with EU Parliaments president Antonio Tajani, as he says the EU faces becoming a vacuum of values

Pope Francis shakes hands with EU Parliaments president Antonio Tajani, as he says the EU faces becoming a vacuum of values

Angela Merkel is greeted by the Prefect of the Pontifical Household, Archbishop Georg Ganswein

Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel are greeted by the Prefect of the Pontifical Household, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, as they arrive at the Vatican

Earlier this week, the Pope described Europe's refugee and migrant crisis as the biggest tragedy since the Second World War.

At his weekly public audience on Wednesday in St Peter's Square, the pontiff urged tourists and pilgrims 'not to forget' the problem but instead welcome and help refugees. He also encouraged efforts to integrate them into society.

He said integration should keep in mind 'the reciprocal rights and duties of those who welcome and those who are welcomed'. 

Francis repeatedly urged Europe to do more to help the hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and economic migrants who've arrived in recent years.  

Antonio Tajani speaks as the leaders gather for the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome

Antonio Tajani speaks as the leaders gather for the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome

European UnionPope Francis

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