” “Benedict XVI "clearly shows he trusts Europe and its ability to face its challenges. I am glad of his encouragement and his support to continental integration": José Manuel Durao Barroso, president of the EU Commission, met the Pope in private audience in Rome today. At their first meeting, the two discussed "of subjects that both the Catholic Church and the European Union consider priorities, including the future of Europe, the continuation of talks between different religions and cultures, problems associated with conflicts across the world and the plague of poverty". Barroso, who said he was extremely satisfied for the meeting, insisted at the end of the audience on dialogue between different cultures and peoples: "The experience of the building of Europe, proud of its religious, cultural, linguistic diversity, is an important example of dialogue among peoples. The Europeans have made an experience that is bound to guarantee peace". "Our founding Treaties are the expression of dialogue among different peoples that have been at war since time immemorial". "Religious freedom added Barroso, as he responded to a wish that the Holy See has particularly at heart is not negotiable and includes some fundamental rights of people and communities, the cornerstones of community law. Mutual respect and understanding are our passwords, just like democracy, dialogue and debate".” “
