European Christian Democrats meet Pope Benedict XVI

(March 30, 2006) : European Christian Democrats met Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday in the Vatican. The delegation comprised of conservative leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, David Cameron, head of Britain's Conservative party; Wolfgang Schuessel, the Austrian chancellor and a conservative leader; Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Commission president, and Hans-Gert Poettering, a German who is chairman of the European Parliament's dominant Christian Democrat faction and others. Addressing the politicians Pope Benedict said: At present, Europe has to address complex issues of great importance, such as the growth and development of European integration, the increasingly precise definition of neighbourhood policy within the Union and the debate over its social model. In order to attain these goals, it will be important to draw inspiration, with creative fidelity, from the Christian heritage which has made such a particular contribution to forging the identity of this continent. By valuing its Christian roots, Europe will be able to give a secure direction to the choices of its citizens and peoples, it will strengthen their awareness of belonging to a common civilization and it will nourish the commitment of all to address the challenges of the present for the sake of a better future, the Pontiff said. Focussing their attention on need to protect and promote the dignity of the person, Pope Benedict outlined three concerns of the Catholic Church. First, protection of life in all its stages, from the first moment of conception until natural death; Second, recognition and promotion of the natural structure of the family - as a union between a man and a woman based on marriage and third the protection of the right of parents to educate their children. The Pontiff exhorted the politicians to be credible and consistent witnesses of these basic truths through their political activity, and more fundamentally through their commitment to live authentic and consistent lives. Pope Benedict concluded by invoking God’s blessings on all the members of the delegation.