Pope Francis warned of a global “retreat from democracy” Saturday as he arrived for a three-day visit to Greece — the birthplace of Western civilization.
“Democracy … demands hard work and patience,” he told diplomats and political leaders at the Presidential Palace in Athens. “It is complex, whereas authoritarianism is peremptory and populism’s easy answers appear attractive.”
“Today, and not only in Europe, we are witnessing a retreat from democracy,” the pontiff said in a speech that made multiple references to classical Greek thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle.
“The international community needs … to open up paths of peace through a multilateralism that will not end up being stifled by excessive nationalistic demands,” he said, urging international action on climate change, poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pope’s appearance came as nationalist politicians from France, Hungary, Italy and other European nations gathered in Warsaw for a summit meeting to consider forming a grand coalition that would counter leftist forces in the European Parliament.
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