Pope Francis has called for social cooperation and dialogue at a gathering of German Catholics on Wednesday.
"Not only in Europe, but also in other parts of the world, fundamental human rights seem to be at risk at the moment: through increasing anti-Semitism, racism and other ideologies that tend towards extremism and violence," Poep Francis said in his message to the participants, published by the Vatican.
The many moral, social, economic and political crises of our time are all interconnected, he said. "The problems affect everyone and can only be solved together."
He said this gave the German gathering a special significance as a place of ecumenical togetherness and interreligious dialogue. "For it needs the cooperation of all people of good will who are willing to build a peaceful future," Francis said.
He called on Christians to include those who are abandoned, marginalized and lonely and to work for better living conditions for those who are not listened to. "Without justice, there is no peace," he added.
Earlier, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier lamented the diminished standing of Christian churches in German society and urged greater engagement with religion in a speech to those gathered in Erfurt.
Steinmeier praised the commitment of Christians to democracy and to people who are poor, marginalized and desperate in society.
That is "all the more reason why I can only deeply regret that the churches are experiencing such a great loss of approval and trust," Steinmeier said in his speech. "One must speak of an epochal change."
Steinmeier spoke at the 103rd German Catholic Day, which is actually a series of events related to the church that stretches across several days.
He said that the churches must confront the "self-created" problems that have reduced their standing in society and broken trust with believers, including "the terrible fact of mass abuse and especially the long history of its cover-up," according to the text of his speech provided in advance to dpa.
In addition, Steinmeier said there is a growing alienation and indifference in large parts of society towards religion and what goes beyond our lives.
"Are the churches not giving enough impetus here? Is their message too quiet, too pale, too low profile?" Steinmeier asked.
Many people were searching for meaning and direction in their lives, he added.
"Our critical question to ourselves, as Christians and as a church, must be: Do these earnest searchers find convincing answers, do they find spiritual expertise, do they find empathetic support in our groups, communities and initiatives?"
He noted the important role that Christian social welfare groups, such as the Catholic Caritas and the Protestant Diakonie, still play in German society. But he said they need new sources of strength and reinforcement.
"I know and I am certain that a great deal of good still emanates from the Christians in our country," said Steinmeier.
Hopeful steps for the future are already being taken, "and that also gives me hope myself," he said.
The mood was upbeat at the first day of the event and a mixed crowd of young and old alike gathered for the opening at Erfurt's Cathedral Square on Wednesday evening.
Some 20,000 people are expected to attend the 103rd German Catholics‘ Day, an event that runs until Sunday. That is far fewer than at similar events in the past.
Alongside problems within the Church such as sexual abuse and the struggle to make reforms, the event also focuses on key contemporary issues such as war and peace, populism and democracy.