Pope urges place for Christ in EU constitution

As Roman Catholic Italy get set to take over the EU's rotating presidency, Pope John Paul urged EU policymakers on Saturday to recognise Europe's Christian roots in the bloc's historic first constitution.

A draft of the European Union constitution unveiled earlier this month contained no mention of Christianity despite heavy lobbying from the Pope and Christian Democrat parties.

"I wish once more to appeal to those drawing up the future European constitution treaty, so that it will include a reference to the religious and in particular the Christian heritage of Europe," the pope said.

The final version is due to be thrashed out in Rome, with Italy at the helm of the presidency for six months from tomorrow.

Italy, along with Roman Catholic Spain, Portugal and Poland, has demanded a specific reference to Christianity in the constitution, aimed at shaking up creaky EU institutions.

The pope reiterated on Saturday his full respect for the secular nature of those institutions, but in a 134-page document, he hammered home the need for Europe to come to terms with its Christian heritage.

"Europe, as you stand at the beginning of the third millennium, open the doors to Christ! Be yourself. Rediscover your origins. Relive your roots," he said.

Only a small minority of Europeans are regular churchgoers, particularly in Protestant countries where less than 10 per cent of the population attend regularly.

But the debate has taken on added urgency for many Christians as overwhelmingly Muslim but secular Turkey strives to start EU accession talks in 2005.

Opponents to the reference to Christianity say it would offend millions of Muslims and other religious groups already in the EU and that faith should play no part in a constitution.

The final constitution is due to be signed on May 1, 2004.