Macron says Europe was built on Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian foundation
Speaking alongside Pope Leo, Macron said Europe’s heritage helped shape the primacy of the person and the free, rational individual.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that Europe was built on a "Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian foundation" in remarks delivered alongside Pope Leo. The comments stood out in secular France, where debates over national identity, religion and the role of faith in public life remain sensitive. Macron said Europe's heritage had helped shape "the primacy of the person" and later "the free and rational individual". He also said online algorithms amplify negative emotions and worsen disinformation.
Macron attended Leo's last mass in Metz on Monday after skipping other religious services. By Michel Rose PARIS, Sept 28 (Reuters) Macron said Europe faces threats not only from Russia's war in Ukraine, but also from social fragmentation and online manipulation. He described the European Union as a unique political project based on peace and equality among its members, at a time when Russia's war in Ukraine has revived concerns about security on the continent. He urged Europeans not to yield to divisive nationalism or online manipulation, and called for action against what he described as an epidemic of disinformation.
"The truth will set us free," Macron said, adding that algorithms amplified negative emotions that deepened division. "A democracy does not die only under shells," he said. "