"As perhaps no other place on earth, the history and culture of Europe bear the mark of Christianity. This also applies to the area in which the about 457 million people of the EU member states live, many of whom profess Christianity". It was stated this morning by Benedict XVI, as he received in audience the new Ambassador of Austria, Martin Bolldorf. "The future way to European integration went on the Pope , the successful building of the big European home, under the roof of which the peoples of the continent may live in mutual respect and build together the future, in mutual exchange, virtually depend on the trust the citizens place in this project. In the discussion about the process of extension of the European Union as well as in the European Constitution, vital issues have recently been raised. The topics of the identity and the spiritual foundations of the European countries and peoples are more and more often discussed". "Without a true communion of values continued the Pope no safe communion of right, that men hope and wait for, can be accomplished".
