VATICAN - The crisis of the Church in Europe, the Pope indicates Africa, where despite the problems, "the joy of being Christian is always experienced"

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "As this year draws to a close, Europe is undergoing economic and financial crisis which is ultimately based on the ethical crisis looming over the Old Continent ... The essence of the crisis of the Church in Europe is the crisis of faith. If we find no answer to this, if faith does nottake on new life, deep conviction and real strength from the encounter with Jesus Christ, then all other reforms will remain ineffective". This was the key theme that guided the Holy Father Benedict XVI’s speech to the Cardinals, to the members of the Roman Curia and of the Governance, received at the hearing on December 22 for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings.
The Pope stressed that "the key theme of this year, and of the years ahead, is this: how do we proclaim the Gospel today? How can faith as a living force become a reality today?". The ecclesial events of the outgoing year were all ultimately related to this theme. Benedict XVI then mentioned his various apostolic journeys to Italy and abroad, the day of encounter in Assisi between religions and people who in whatever way are searching for truth and peace, the establishment of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization and the proclamation of the Year of Faith, commemorating the beginning of the Council fifty years ago.
The Pope then recalled "the encounter with Africa’s joyful passion for faith ... None of the faith fatigue that is so prevalent here, none of the oft-encountered sense of having had enough of Christianity was detectable there. Amid all the problems, sufferings and trials that Africa, clearly experiences, one could still sense the people’s joy in being Christian, buoyed up by inner happiness at knowing Christ and belonging to his Church. From this joy comes also the strength to serve Christ in hard-pressed situations of human suffering, the strength to put oneself at his disposal, without looking around for one’s own advantage. Encountering this faith that is so ready to sacrifice and full of happiness is a powerful remedy against fatigue with Christianity such as we are experiencing in Europe today".
A further "remedy against faith fatigue" was also represented by the "wonderful experience" of World Youth Day celebrated in Madrid, "a new evangelization put into practice", the Pope stressed, noting that "again and again a new, more youthful form of Christianity can be seen in the World Youth Day " which he summed up in five points: a new experience of catholicity, of the Church’s universality; a new way of living our humanity. being Christians; the adoration of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament; the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance; and the joy. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 23/12/2011)