John Paul II called upon a unified Europe not to lose its religious and
cultural heritage by falling prey to consumerist indifference.
Addressing the senators and deputies of the Italian Parliament, Thursday, the
Holy Father praised efforts to enlarge the European Union toward the East,
sealing as it were "an unnatural division."
However, the Pope expressed the wish that "the new foundations of the
European 'common house' will not lack the 'cement' of that extraordinary
religious, cultural, and civil patrimony which has given Europe its greatness
down the centuries."
"There is a need to guard against a vision of the Continent which would
only take into account its economic and political aspects, or which would
uncritically yield to lifestyles inspired by a consumerism indifferent to
spiritual values," he added.
"If lasting stability is to be given to the new unity of Europe," the
Pope continued, "there must be a commitment to ensuring that it is
supported on those ethical foundations which were once its basis, while at the
same time making room for the richness and diversity of the cultures and
traditions which characterize individual nations."
John Paul II concluded his address with an emotional appeal: "Europe, at
the beginning of the new millennium, open once again your doors to
Christ!"