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Vatican

Von Der Leyen’s appointment ‘blessed’ by the Pope

epa04504822 Pope Francis delivers a speech at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France, 25 November 2014. People perceive Europe as having lost its vibrancy and influence in the world, Pope Francis warned during a speech to the European Parliament, calling for policies focused more on people than 'technicalities.' Strasbourg is Francis' fifth international trip and the shortest-ever papal visit abroad, clocking in at 3 hours and 50 minutes. EPA/PATRICK HERTZOG/POOL

After narrowly winning political approval last month, Ursula von der Leyen has now received a spiritual vote of confidence — from the pope.

POLITICO highlights that when asked in an interview with Italy’s La Stampa whether he was happy with the appointment of a woman at the head of the European Commission, Pope Francis replied: “Yes, also because a woman can be well-suited to reviving the strength of the founding fathers. Women have the ability to bring people together, to unite.”

Via La Stampa

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