The Idea of Europe in the work of Joseph Ratzinger

It was a pleasure to be in Budapest, at the National University of Public Service, to talk about "The Idea of Europe in the work of Joseph Ratzinger" as part of a workshop on post-World War II German Christian and Liberal Conservatism.

I argued that Joseph Ratzinger’s understanding of the idea of Europe is anchored in tradition and history without questioning liberal democracy (though, perhaps, questioning some of its manifestations).

It develops at a time when Europe experiences a period of change, of division and then unity; of an agreement which crystallises around imperfect economic and political institutions; and during a period where the same idea of Europe changes, broadens and deepens.