As Europe struggles with identity, church finds its views challenged

Published: 2004-10-29

ROME (CNS) -- The Vatican is finding that its positions on abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia and other issues are being constantly challenged in a Europe that is struggling to forge a common set of rules while keeping national identities intact. On the eve of the historic signing of the European Constitution, Pope John Paul II met with outgoing European Commission President Romano Prodi to remind him that Christian values are at the base of the European identity. Christianity, he told Prodi Oct. 28 at the Vatican, "contributed to the formation of a common conscience of the European peoples." He said, "Whether recognized or not in official documents, this is an undeniable fact that no historian can forget." The constitution does not mention Europe's Christian roots, a reference the Vatican had sought repeatedly. In light of this and other developments of late within the European Union and in individual countries, some top Vatican officials have been speaking out because they feel the values of the church are being ignored or trampled.

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