Pope Francis on Wednesday expressed concern over the Greek crisis, especially its social implications and the impact on Greek families, urging European leaders to make “responsible decisions” in a statement released by Vatican press spokesman Federico Lombardi.

“The dignity of the human person must remain at the centre of every political and technical debate as well as in the making of responsible decisions,” the statement said. He repeated an appeal for social justice in relations between Greece and the European Union, noting that “human dignity” was the primary goal.