Pope welcomes Croatian ambassador

(April 11, 2011) Denying Europe its Christian roots is equivalent to claiming that a man can live without oxygen and without food, Pope Benedict XVI said on Monday, urging Croatia, that will soon join the European Union, not to be afraid or ashamed of its Christian tradition. The Pope was speaking to Croatia’s new ambassador to the Vatican, Filip Vučak, who presented his credentials at a formal ceremony in the Vatican on Monday. “With amazing regularity, disgruntled voices challenge the reality of Europe’s religious roots,” the Pope lamented, saying, “It has become fashionable to suffer memory loss and deny historical evidence.” Pointing to Croatia’s rich Christian tradition, the Pope said the new generation must be made to clearly understand the rich heritage of their history and Christian culture that has nourished them in depth and always supported them in adversity. “Do not be ashamed to remember and support the truth by denying, if necessary, that which is contrary to it,” Pope Benedict told the Croatian ambassador. He hoped Croatia will defend its Christian identity with conviction and pride in avoiding the pitfalls that arise anew and which, under the pretext of religious freedom that is misunderstood, are contrary to natural law, family and more simply, morality. Pope Benedict who has planned a visit to Croatia June 4 and 5 under the theme "Together in Christ,” said he wishes to encourage the nation and the Church that has always been with the people.