VATICAN CITY, OCT. 31, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address John Paul II gave today before praying the midday Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
* * *
1. Last Friday, October 29, the Constitutional Treaty of the European Union was signed in the Capitol, here in Rome. It was a highly significant moment in the building of the «New Europe,» which we continue to look to with confidence. It is the most recent stage of a road that is still long and that seems ever more exacting.
2. The Holy See has always been in favor of the promotion of a Europe united on the basis of those common values that are part of its history. To acknowledge the Christian roots of the Continent means to make use of a spiritual patrimony that remains essential for the future development of the Union.
Therefore, I hope that also in the years to come, Christians will continue to contribute in all ambits of European institutions that evangelical ferment that is the guarantee of peace and collaboration among all citizens in the shared commitment to serve the common good.
3. In prayer, we now entrust to Mary, Queen of Europe, all the peoples of the Continent.
[Translation by ZENIT]
