Pope on common 'European House'

Pope Benedict XVI received Letters of Credence from Austria’s new Ambassador to the Holy See, Alfons Kloss on Thursday. Trained as a lawyer, Alfons Kloss is a career diplomat, and father of three children who has served in India, Finland, Germany and Italy, as well as in key Foreign Ministry positions at home.

Pope Benedict XVI welcomed him with a ceremony at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

In his remarks to the new ambassador, the Holy Father reflected on his own fond memories of Austria, and praised Austria’ deep roots of Catholic faith, especially Marian devotion.

He also discussed the importance of religious liberty as a key to ordered liberty, and reflected on the need for family policy to be grounded in a proper understanding of the human person, saying, “Marriage and the family require the special protection of the state,” which also has a duty to protect all innocent human life from conception to natural death.

Pope Benedict went on to discuss the future of Europe, saying that a “common European House” can only succeed if the continent’s Christian foundation is respected.

Listen to Chris Altieri's report: