To face the great challenges that await Europe, "such as the growth and development of integration, the definition of a policy of neighbourhood and the debate on the social model”, “it will be important to take inspiration from the Christian heritage that has significantly contributed to shape the identity of this continent”. These are the words of Benedict XVI, as he spoke to the participants in the meeting promoted by the European People’s Party (PPE) that he received this morning in audience in the Vatican. "By promoting its Christian roots", said the Pope, Europe "will be able to provide firm guidance to its citizens’ choices, will raise their awareness of belonging to a common civilisation and will increase everyone’s commitment in facing the challenges of the present, with a view to a better future”. Benedict XVI then expressed his great appreciation of the "support given by the Party to the Christian heritage” of the continent, which "can significantly contribute to the defeat of a culture, by now widely spread in Europe, that banishes the manifestation of one’s religious beliefs to the private and subjective sphere". "Policies based on this principle, warned the Pope, involve "the disawoval of the public role of Christianity", thus threatening "democracy, whose strength depends on the values it promotes”.
