Pope points at roots

VATICAN CITY – Pope John Paul said yesterday Europe’s Christian roots could not be forgotten, visibly upset at the EU’s failure to mention Christianity in its newly-agreed constitution.

Speaking in Polish to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, the pope thanked his native country for fighting to include a reference in the treaty agreed by leaders of the European Union’s 25 nations late Friday night. “I thank Poland for its efforts in European institutions to loyally defend the Christian roots of our continent from which the culture and progress of our times grew,” he said, departing from his prepared speech for the weekly Angelus address.”Our Christian roots cannot be forgotten,” he added.The official Vatican spokesman on Saturday said the Holy See was disappointed that the opposition of some governments had prevented an explicit reference to Christian roots in the constitution.”It shows a disregard for historical evidence and for the Christian identity of the European population,” Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement.Poland, Italy and other Roman Catholic countries had tried to secure a reference to Europe’s Christian heritage, but failed in the face of opposition from countries including France, Belgium and Finland.- Nampa-Reuters”I thank Poland for its efforts in European institutions to loyally defend the Christian roots of our continent from which the culture and progress of our times grew,” he said, departing from his prepared speech for the weekly Angelus address.”Our Christian roots cannot be forgotten,” he added.The official Vatican spokesman on Saturday said the Holy See was disappointed that the opposition of some governments had prevented an explicit reference to Christian roots in the constitution.”It shows a disregard for historical evidence and for the Christian identity of the European population,” Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement.Poland, Italy and other Roman Catholic countries had tried to secure a reference to Europe’s Christian heritage, but failed in the face of opposition from countries including France, Belgium and Finland.- Nampa-Reuters