(ANSA) - ROME, 04 DEC - "Democracy was born here. We cannot, however, note with concern that today, not only on the European continent, there is a retreat of democracy". Pope Francis said this when speaking to the Greek authorities in Athens, underlining that democracy "requires participation and involvement of all and therefore requires effort and patience, while authoritarianism is hasty and the easy reassurances offered by populism appear tempting". Bergoglio then observed that the EU, "torn by nationalistic selfishness, rather than being a driving force behind solidarity, sometimes appears blocked and uncoordinated". And he hoped that "the commitments in the fight against climate change are not a facade, but are seriously implemented".
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