Pope to address European Parliament on social, economic issuesNovember 25, 2014 - 12:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Pope will address the European Parliament and Council of Europe on Tuesday, Nov 25, on social and economic issues during a four-hour trip to Strasbourg. According to BBC News, the Pope is expected to speak to both bodies about anti-immigration sentiment and unemployment in Europe. Many of Strasbourg's Catholics are upset that Pope Francis will not meet them or visit the city's cathedral. Some Catholics have accused the Pope of neglecting Europe since his election in 2013. Aside from Tuesday's visit to the French city, he has only visited Albania. The Pope has said that he is planning a second visit to France next year. Residents of Strasbourg have been told they can watch both of the pontiff's speeches on a giant screen that will be installed inside the cathedral, which is celebrating its millennial anniversary. Pope Francis' visit is the second papal visit to Strasbourg. In 1988 Pope John Paul II visited the city and addressed the European parliament where he was heckled by Northern Irish MEP the Rev Ian Paisley. During his speech the late Pope called Europe "a beacon of civilization".The current Pope however has called Europe a "tired" continent which worships the "idol of money". In Strasbourg, he is expected to call for greater tolerance and inclusion in response to the success nationalist parties have seen in parts of Europe. In May, several of these parties performed strongly in the European parliamentary elections. Pope Francis is also thought likely to address Europe's ongoing economic crisis and the social problems that it has created. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |