Europe cannot shed Christian identity, pope tells ambassadors

Published: 2003-12-12

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In unusually strong language, Pope John Paul II criticized European leaders who want to keep references to Christianity out of a new European constitution. As European representatives met to work out final details of the constitution, the pope said Dec. 12 that it was "imperative" to recognize Christianity's "perennial proclamation of the truth" as part of Europe's identity. "No human folly or shallow sense of inclusiveness can be allowed to deny future generations this path to genuine personal fulfillment and sustainable solidarity between peoples," the pope told the new ambassador of Estonia, Priit Kolbre, who was presenting his credentials. The pope said Estonians in particular understand that Christian truths and values represent a heritage that does not simply belong to the past, but is a "project always in the making." He said he is confident that "the government of Estonia will support the efforts of the Holy See to ensure that the Treaty of the Constitution of Europe will recognize Christianity's place at the heart of the continent's life and future."

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .