Pope Francis has urged Europe to fulfil its responsibilities with renewed hope and not cower behind walls and treaties. The Pope – a South American son of Italian immigrants – evoked Martin Luther King, telling European heads of state that he had a dream of a divided Europe coming together to protect the rights of everyone, especially families and migrants. “I dream of a Europe where being a migrant is not a crime, but a summons to greater commitment,” he said. “I dream of a Europe where young people” can lead a simple life and see that marriage and children are a joy, not a burden, because there are no stable, well-paying jobs.” The Pope shared his dream of a rejuvenated and united Europe as he received the Charlemagne Prize. The award is traditionally conferred on the feast of the Ascension in the German city of Aachen. The award is presented every year by the citizens of Aachen to commemorate Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and honour a public figure for their commitment to promoting European unity. The ceremony to honour Pope Francis, however, was held in a frescoed hall of the Apostolic Palace, drawing European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi, King Felipe VI of Spain and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, as well as the heads of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission – three men who were also past laureates of the prize. Marcel Phillip, the mayor of Aachen, told those assembled that “Pope Francis is a godsend for Europe.” Pope Francis, who typically eschews honours, said he was offering “this prestigious award for Europe. For ours is not so much a celebration as a moment to express our shared hope for a new and courageous step forward for this beloved continent.” The Pope delivered a 30-minute talk tinged at times with admonishments but filled with heartfelt advice and lofty yet urgent dreams for the future. “What has happened to you?” he repeated three times. What has happened, he asked, to the glorious Europe of the past: the champion of human rights; the home of artists; the mother of heroes who upheld “and even sacrificed their lives for the dignity of their brothers and sisters?” He called for the recollection of and courageous return to the bold ideals of the founding fathers of a united Europe – those who were committed to “alternative and innovative paths in a world scarred by war”.