MEPs have been reacting to the powerful address delivered by Pope Francis in the European Parliament this morning. His Holiness didn’t pull any punches when it came to criticising certain things in Europe today. During his address The Pontiff compared Europe to that of an infertile grandmother who lacked vibrancy. He told MEPs that the great ideas that once inspired Europe have been replaced by the bureaucratic technicalities of its institutions. He was scathing about Europe’s consumerist and what he called its unsustainable selfish lifestyles. And he told MEPs that the true strength of our democracies must not be allowed to collapse under the pressure of multinational interests. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly said his viewpoints have to be taken on board.

Out words: accept that

Dur: 00:26

Pope Francis received a sustained standing ovation following his address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning. The Pontiff delivered a very strong address which was, at times, very critical of contemporary Europe. During his address His Holiness compared Europe to that of an infertile grandmother who lacked vibrancy. He told MEPs that the great ideas that once inspired Europe have been replaced by the bureaucratic technicalities of its institutions. He was scathing about Europe’s consumerist and what he called its unsustainable selfish lifestyles. And he pleaded for Europe to think more about the need for dignity, human rights and general humanity. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly gave his reaction to the Pope’s address.

Out words: with that

Dur: 00:33

Pope Francis received a standing ovation when he addressed the European Parliament this morning. During his speech he said Europe gave the impression of being aged and weary. And he said it had become like an infertile grandmother. He told MEPs that the true strength of our democracies must not be allowed to collapse under the pressure of multinational interests. Karen Coleman from EuroParlRadio now reports from the European Parliament.

Out words: in Strasbourg

Dur: 00:58