The passing of Archbishop Noёl Treanor, who was appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union by Pope Francis in 2002, will represent a significant diplomatic loss in relation to the discussion on the Future of Europe.
Archbishop Treanor was deeply committed to the possibilities of a Union that respects difference, and that was based on a shared ethic. During the Presidency of the European Commission of Jacques Delors, he organised a wide consultation, under the title ‘A Soul for Europe’, in which I myself participated.
I already recall the manner in which the consultation was constructed indicated the inclusive view which Archbishop Treanor had of Europe. It included not only those of all faiths and of the different humanist traditions, but indeed as he put it, all those who are of ‘ethical disposition’.
Archbishop Treanor had a deep knowledge of the institutions of the EU, informed by his time as Secretary General of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). At a time when many are seeking to recover the original purpose of the EU, he always emphasised peace, requiring reference to the principal reason for the existence of the Union as the elimination of war, as sought from the EU’s foundation, and the importance of the hard work necessary to build peace in conditions of difference.
Archbishop Treanor was an Emeritus Bishop of Down and Connor. May I extend my deepest sympathies to Noёl’s brother John, his sister Mary, to his fellow clergy and colleagues in diplomacy, and to all of his family, friends and former parishioners.
Síocháin síoraí da anam lách uasal.”
