These included UKIP in the United Kingdom and French National Front.

"A matter of concern is the significant increase of support for parties which reject the project of European integration," said Cardinal Marx.

"Some of these parties are not only populist, but nationalistic and xenophobic," he continued.

"Such positioning is unacceptable for Christians and is a threat to the peaceful coexistence of the peoples of our continent."

Cardinal Marx is the president of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community.

He is also president of the German bishops' conference and is a member of Pope Francis's council of cardinals.

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