Pope Urges Place for Christian Roots in EU Constitution

29/06/2003| IslamWeb

Days before Roman Catholic Italy takes over the EU's rotating presidency, Pope John Paul urged EU policymakers Saturday to recognize Europe's Christian roots in the bloc's historic first constitution. A draft of the European Union constitution unveiled earlier this month contained no mention of Christianity despite heavy lobbying from the pope and Christian Democrat parties. "I wish once more to appeal to those drawing up the future European constitution treaty, so that it will include a reference to the religious and in particular the Christian heritage of Europe," the pope said. The final version is due to be thrashed out in Rome, with Italy at the helm of the presidency for six months from Tuesday. Italy, along with Roman Catholic Spain, Portugal and Poland, has demanded a specific reference to Christianity in the constitution, aimed at shaking up creaky EU institutions. The pope reiterated Saturday his full respect for the secular nature of those institutions, but in a 134-page document, he hammered home the need for Europe to come to terms with its Christian heritage. "Europe, as you stand at the beginning of the third millennium, open the doors to Christ! Be yourself. Rediscover your origins. Relive your roots," he said. Only a small minority of Europeans are regular churchgoers, particularly in Protestant countries where less than 10 percent of the population attend regularly. But the debate has taken on added urgency for many Christians as overwhelmingly Muslim but secular Turkey strives to start EU accession talks in 2005. Opponents to the reference to Christianity say it would offend millions of Muslims and other religious groups already in the EU and that faith should play no part in a constitution. The final constitution is due to be signed on May 1, 2004. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of America Demetrios Trakatellis is embraced by Pope John Paul II, during the Vespers celebration in St. Peter's Basilica, Saturday, June 28, 2003.(AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)