VATICAN - Statement from Director of Holy See Press Office on newly approved European Constitutional treaty: satisfaction for new step towards integration but regret for failure to recognise the continent’s Christian roots

Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Saturday 19 June the Director of the Holy See’s press office Dr. Joaquín Navarro-Valls, issued the following press statement in Italian: (our English translation).
“The means of social communications have reported that in Brussels heads of state or government of 25 member countries have adopted a European Constitutional Treaty. The Holy See expresses satisfaction for this new and important step in the process of European integration, always wished for and encouraged by the Bishop of Rome. There is also satisfaction for the insertion in the Treaty of a disposition which safeguards the status of religious confessions in member states and requires the Union to maintain with them frank, transparent and regular dialogue, recognising their respective identity and specific contribution. Nevertheless the Holy See cannot fail to voice regret with regard to opposition on the part of some governments to explicit reference to the Christian roots of Europe. This is a non-recognition of historical evidence and the Christian identity of the peoples of Europe. The Holy See voices warm appreciation and gratitude to those governments which, aware of the past and the historical horizon from which the new Europe is formed, have worked to give concrete expression to Europe’s well known religious heritage. Not to be forgotten either widespread and determined commitment from various instances in favour of mentioning in the Treaty Europe’s Christian heritage, stimulating reflection on the part of political leaders, citizens and public opinion on this matter which is not secondary in the present national, European and international context”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/6/2004; Righe 18; Parole 230)