Cardinal Sarah warns EU lawmakers of crisis of the logos in Europe

Cardinal Robert Sarah told European Parliament lawmakers in Brussels that geopolitical conflicts arise from a crisis of reason and language, where words are used to exert power rather than reveal truth. Speaking during a discussion titled "Europe and Africa: In Conversation with Cardinal Robert Sarah" on July 15, the former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments argued that the relationship between the European Union and Africa is being undermined by a disconnect between language and reality.

Sarah stated that terms such as gender equality, human rights, and sexual and reproductive health are sometimes used to promote concepts that many African societies have not chosen or do not share. He warned that using ambiguous terminology in international agreements risks turning them into instruments of silent power and perversion instead of genuine cooperation. He questioned how authentic dialogue or trust can exist if Europe uses words with double meanings that distort reality.

During his remarks, Sarah also referenced the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, published by Pope Leo XIV in May, to address these issues.