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27th Sep 2023

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Pope repeats call for Christian constitution

  • POPE JOHN PAUL II - can count on support from Italy, Spain, Poland and Ireland (Photo: Polish government)

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Pope John Paul II on Sunday repeated calls for a clear reference to Europe's Christian heritage to be insearted in the European Constitution.

Speaking at his summer residence south-east of Rome, the pontiff said that incorporating Christianity in the European draft constitution would be "an advantage for all", reported Eubusiness.

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"The explicit recognition in the treatise of the roots of Christianity in Europe would become the principal guarantee of the future of the continent," the Pope said.

The Draft Constitution, which was adopted by the European Convention in June, has no explicit mention of Christianity. It says: "The Union shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe's cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced".

EU member states will 4 October start an Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) to fine tune the details of the draft Constitution. Four countries - Italy, Spain, Poland, Ireland - are pushing for a reference to Christianity to be added to the Constitution.

The European Parliament Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy will both meet on Monday (25 August) and discuss the Draft Treaty on the European Constitution.

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