Templeton Prize laureate: 'Eurosceptics on side of Putin'

Monsignor Tomáš Halik

The 2014 winner of the Templeton Prize said today that Eurosceptics were “influenced by national egotism” and “on the side of Mr Putin,” in the current conflict in the Ukraine.

Monsignor Professor Tomáš Halik, the 44th recipient of the prize, said in London today (13 March 2014): “The hearts of a great many Czech people are on the side of the Ukraine.”

A professor of philosophy who spearheaded the intellectual and spiritual resistance movement in Communist-era Czechoslovakia, Msgr Halik added: “We know what Russian occupation is.”

“I am convinced we need a strong united Europe. Europe is united not by an ideology or one dictator but through the free will of the nations. This is a unique chance to be a united strong Europe." He claimed: "Eurosceptics influenced by national egotism are on Mr Putin’s side.”

Msgr Halik was speaking at a ceremony this morning to announce the 2014 winner of the Prize at the British Academy in London.

The £1.1 million Templeton Prize is one of the largest international awards given annually to an individual. It is given to those whose work, research or thought has affirmed life’s spiritual dimension.

See also: ICN 13 March 2014 Czech priest wins Templeton Prize www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=24341