“A new style of international politics that does not shy away from lies and public humiliation is reminiscent of dark times, since great powers, regardless of the sovereignty of small states and the global consequences, stuck their spheres of influence,” said Bätzing. “Europe is not very prepared for an uncertain future.”
Bätzing did not call Trump in his sermon by name, but appealed to developments in the United States since Trump’s office: “Since then, the democratic structures in North America have been rebuilt, the freedom of the media has been attacked, civil servants are put under pressure or fired, borders are tightly closed, international agreements are given up to tariffs from a news.”
In his sermon, Bätzing also addressed the Russian attack on Ukraine, Corona pandemic and Hamas robbery on Israel and its consequences. “Have you ever had the impression of being woken up in a new world from one day to the next?” Said the bishop. “We open our eyes – and nothing is as usual.”
He also said: “The speed of the changes and its unforeseeable consequences for the future overwhelm, unsettle and frighten many today.” Bätzing warned that the power of the Christian faith against “anxiety and grief”: “The meaning of the annual Easter celebration is to help our holding hearts and our wavering reason for this.”
