VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2004 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received Romano Prodi, outgoing president of the European Commission, who is in Rome for the signing of the European constitution tomorrow. Representatives from twenty-five countries that are members of the European Union will also sign the treaty.
"The Holy See," said John Paul II, "has promoted the formation of the European Union, before it was juridically structured, and has followed with active interest the subsequent phases. The Holy See has always felt the duty to openly express the just longing of a great number of Christian citizens in Europe who have asked it to show interest."
"Therefore," he continued, "the Holy See reminded everyone that Christianity, in its different expressions, has contributed to the formation of a common conscience of Europeans and has greatly shaped civilizations. Whether or not it is recognized in the official documents, it is an undeniable fact that no historian can forget."
The Holy Father congratulated Prodi for the work he has carried out during his service to the European Commission and expressed the desire that "the difficulties that have emerged in these days with regard to the new commission find a solution of reciprocal respect in a spirit of harmony among all interested parties."
"May the European Union," he concluded, "always express the best of the great traditions of its member states, may it work actively on the international level for peace among peoples and may it offer generous help for the growth of the neediest peoples of other continents."
In a brief declaration on the audience with Romano Prodi, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls said that following the meeting with the Pope, Prodi met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, who was accompanied by Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, secretary for Relations with States. "During the talks, several very current issues were discussed, with special reference to European unity and to the international role of Europe, above all for peace in the world, the development of peoples, especially those in Africa."
AC/ EUROPE CONSTITUTION/PRODI VIS 20041028 (350)
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