EUROPE: CONSTRUCT CULTURE AND ETHIC OF UNITY

VATICAN CITY, SEP 13, 2002 (VIS) - This morning in the apostolic palace at Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of the new ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gerhard Westdickenberg.

After recalling that twelve years ago the "historic reunification of Germany" took place, the Pope said: "The Holy See has supported the unification of Europe from the beginning, with all possible means, making it very clear that faith in a spiritual and cultural common identity of nations must be the base for the common political and institutional growth of the European Union. ... Europeans have to confront the great challenge of constructing a culture and an ethic of unity. If these elements do not exist, any political position of unity is destined to fail sooner or later."

"The Holy See," continued John Paul II, "confirms with joy that the Federal Republic, after reunification and great economic and social efforts, has not let itself get distracted by the challenges presented by European integration. ... Germany has continued to be faithful to its European vocation as well as to its commitment, recognized by all, to solidarity with other nations of the world."

In the process of the continent's integration, the Federal Republic, affirmed the Holy Father, emphasizes that the "ever-stronger unity of Europe must not be understood as a movement toward isolation from other parts of the world, since it bears inherently in itself an openness to the world."

"Countries," he concluded, "are called to collaborate actively in the construction of a global order of justice and peace. From this perspective, the Holy See observes with pleasure the constant commitment of the Federal Republic to promoting respect for human rights in the whole world and their help in development."

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