On an historic visit to the Strasbourg Parliament, Pope Francis stresses the central place of solidarity and people-centred service in all EU action.

State visit: Pope Francis calls for Europe to revitalise vision

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Despite a chilly day in Strasbourg,  fever and excitement

as people clambered outside  to get a glimpse of a special guest.

Cheers from a crowd and a warm  handshake from President Schulz,

Outside, the flag of the Vatican City  was hoisted above the Parliament.

Ushered indoors, Bishops, Cardinals  and Vice-Presidents

all lined up to shake the hand  of the Holy Father.

Touching upon the visit  of Pope Jean-Paul II 26 years ago,

when Europe was divided  by an iron curtain,

Pope Francis talked of a Europe  that had lost its way.

There are still too many situations  in which people are treated as objects

whose function can be programmed  and manipulated

and then thrown away  when they are not useful anymore.

Treatment of non-Europeans  was something weighing on his mind.

We cannot tolerate the Mediterranean  becoming a great graveyard.

It’s time now to build Europe together:

a Europe which isn't centred  on the economy

but on the sacredness  of each human being

Pope Francis' words  are a great encouragement

for citizens who want to see  a more people-centred Europe,

The pope’s words it seemed  also had a profound effect on MEPs.

He wants EU to express solidarity,  the states are now doing very little.

The familiar faces, those who had once  walked the corridors of the EP,

had these words.  -For me it was extraordinary.

It was an extraordinary  for a centre-right President.

I think that even I received  a wake-up call

and above all an encouragement to advance  on this path and in this direction.

But not all were happy.  -I was expecting something more concrete.

I don't want to hear from any of priest,

Outside, everyone has the right  to their faith, that must be respected.

Regardless, others saw it as a springboard  to wider representation of views at the EP.

For me it’s totally normal that someone  who represents so many people in Europe

And in the space of a few hours,  the Pope had left.

Hopefully it won’t be another 26 years  before we see a pope again.