Support Pope’s call on European Constitution
The Pope quoted from his apostolic exhortation “Ecclesia in Europa”, saying that “Europe has been widely and profoundly permeated by Christianity.” He said: “in the complex history of the Continent,” Christianity constitutes “a central and qualifying element, which has gradually consolidated itself on the foundation of the classical heritage and on the diverse contributions made by successive ethnic-cultural currents in the course of the centuries”.
A European constitution which projects a future excluding its roots, is disturbing. Christian tradition, a fact of European history, cannot be denied. It is time for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Irish government representatives and all political parties to support Pope John Paul’s call and defend the explicit mention of the Christian heritage in the preamble of the European Constitution. This would also be in tune with Ireland’s Constitution.
