JOHN PAUL II

ANGELUS

Sunday, 31 October 2004

1. On Friday, 29 October, the Constitutional Treaty of the European Union was signed here in Rome, at the Campidoglio. This was a highly significant moment in building the "new Europe", which we continue to look upon with confidence. It is the most recent stage in a journey that will be long and evermore binding.

2. The Holy See has always favoured the promotion of a united Europe based on those common values that make up its history. Keeping in mind Europe's Christian roots means to take advantage of a spiritual patrimony that remains essential for the future development of the Union.

Therefore, I hope that in the years to come, Christians will continue to carry with them into all sectors of European institutions that "evangelical yeast" that is the pledge of peace and collaboration between all citizens in the shared effort to serve the common good.

3. Let us now prayerfully entrust all peoples of the Continent to Mary, Queen of Europe.

After leading the prayer of the Angelus, the Holy Father said:

I greet the Authorities and children taking part in the "Race of the Heart", together with the "Peoples Run" event, now starting off from Tirana, in Albania. I wish this initiative great success, which is being held in memory of Bl. Teresa of Calcutta and aimed at promoting blood donation.

I cordially greet the French-speaking pilgrims, especially the Religious and collaborators of the schools of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, who have come from Belgium. May you help young people to become mature men and women, and to grow in faith.

I greet all pilgrims present and wish you a pleasant Sunday.

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