Bishop Erik Varden highlights Benedictine tradition as a model for Europe

Bishop Erik Varden, chairman of the Nordic Bishops' Conference and a former Trappist abbot, suggests that the legacy of Saint Benedict can offer a path for Europe to overcome contemporary crises. In an interview with La Croix, Varden noted that the Benedictine project originated during periods of intense migration, the collapse of social institutions, and widespread instability.

He emphasized that the monastic tradition focuses on creating stable, well-organized micro-communities centered on brotherhood and the Gospel. Varden argued that true Christian authenticity is measured by the quality of relationships—such as the ability to seek reconciliation and comfort the suffering—rather than mere rhetoric. He concluded that while monasteries may withdraw from the world, they remain open to it by addressing the fundamental human need for genuine community and depth.