front page" "

The language of the heart” “” “

Time is needed to evaluate so long and significant a pontificate as that of John Paul II. The risk, now, is that of emphasizing some of its features while relegating others to a secondary level. The most important factor would seem to be the integrity and harmony that unite multiple aspects of the personality and […]

di Marián Gavenda" "Slovakia" "" "" "

New programme for European identity” “

It’s called “Citizens for Europe”, the new programme of the European Commission aimed – as stressed by the European Commissioner for education and culture Jan Figel – at “enabling citizens to participate in the development of the Union by helping to forge a European identity in them”. The programme, which will become operational in two […]

di Redazione

Campaign against racism” “

Addressing the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 11 April, the European Commissioner for justice, liberty and security Franco Frattini said that “the compromise solution on the problem of racism in Europe can no longer be deferred”, otherwise we risk failing to adopt the EU strategy on combating racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. […]

di Redazione

School drop outs still high” “

The report published by the Commission on 11 April, relating to “progress in the educational sector in trying to meet the Lisbon objectives” underlines three fundamental problems that afflict European schools in general at various levels: the high rate of student dropouts, the risk of a shortage in teaching staff and the lack of foreign […]

di Redazione

Employment estimates ” “

The European Commission has published its estimates for employment in the Union for the period 2005-2006 in the document on “spring economic forecasts” published in Brussels last week. The Executive speaks of “modest revival of the employment rate in the Euro zone”, with a growth of 0.7% in the year in course and a forecast […]

di Redazione

european parliament" "

Words become reality” “

After paying tribute to John Paul II in its opening session, the European Parliament, gathered in plenary assembly at Strasbourg from 11 to 14 April, has given its approval to the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Union, inviting the two countries to proceed along the road of reforms. The issues on the agenda […]

di Redazione

france" "

Ratification at risk?” “

“On 29 May France has a crucial date with Europe, and with its history. And history does not proceed without memory”: so former President of the Commission Jacques Delors , appeals to the past and looks to the future to try to convince his compatriots to vote “yes” in the referendum for the ratification of […]

di Redazione

germany" "

Making a fresh start with children” “

Inaugurated on 8th april, “Pro-Life Week 2005”, an ecumenical project of the German Catholic and Evangelical Churches, was an occasion to remember John Paul II’s commitment to life. During the opening ceremony, Evangelical Bishop Wolfgang Huber recalled him as follows: “I took part in the funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome”, and he […]

di Redazione

comece" "

In the name of the common good” “

Twenty-five years ago, on 3 March 1980, the Holy See created the Commission of the episcopates of the European Community (COMECE), composed of bishop delegates of the various Bishops’ Conferences of Europe. “Twenty-five years at the service of the European project that deserve to be underlined”, especially now that “regular exchanges between the Churches and […]

di Redazione

Spain: return to the dog-collar” “

The new archbishop of Tarazona, Monsignor Demetrio Fernàndez Gonzàlez, has asked the priests of his diocese to return to dressing formally as priests (dog-collar and all), “a habit that has by now been lost in Spain, with few exceptions”. “How I would like to see you all dressed as priests in an unmistakeable manner”, said […]

di Redazione