VATICAN CITY (AP) — U2 frontman Bono is applauding Europe's turnabout in accepting refugees.

In an interview with Turin daily La Stampa, Bono said the image of little Aylan on the beach — and pictures of German children offering their toys to Syrian refugees — "will remain in the history of Europe."

He was quoted as saying: "We might truly be at a turning point for what Europe wants to be in the 21st century."

He had particular praise for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saying in a few short days she "has become a moral symbol for Europe."

"This week, something incredible happened, and Europe isn't the same as it was seven days ago."

Bono was in Italy to kick off a European tour and participate in a U.N. event on ending world hunger.