'Father of the EU' takes first step to Sainthood

According to French daily Le Figaro, the Pope is set to beatify Robert Schuman - one of the founding fathers of the EU - next September.

This is the first step on the road to Sainthood.

The Head of the Catholic Church will take up an invitation to address the Council of Europe in Strasbourg next September - if his ailing health allows.

And he is expected to use this occasion to beatify Mr Schuman, to underline the Christian roots of Europe.

Robert Schuman is widely ...