VATICAN - “The Holy See has always been in favour of promoting a Europe united on the basis of the common values which are part of its history” the Pope said at the Angelus. “To take into account the Christian roots of the Continent means to make use of a spiritual heritage which is fundamental for the future development of the Union”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Before praying the Angelus on Sunday 31 October with people gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope John Paul II voiced his satisfaction for the signing of the European Constitution on Friday 29 in Rome and said he hoped Christians would continue to cooperate in this field. “That was a highly significant moment in the building of the ‘new Europe’ towards which we continue to look with confidence. It was the most recent step on a path still long and which appears ever more demanding” the Pope said.
The Pope continued: “the Holy See has always been in favour of promoting a Europe united on the basis of the common values which are part of its history. To take into account the Christian roots of the Continent means to make use of a spiritual heritage which is fundamental for the future development of the Union.” Lastly he voiced the hope that “Christians will continue to carry to every environment in the European institutions those seeds of the Gospel which are a guarantee of peace and collaboration among all the citizens in the shared commitment to serve the common good.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/11/2004 - Righe 13; Parole 175)