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Polish PM meets with pope, hopes John Paul makes new visit to Poland
Poland's Prime Minister Marek Belka received an audience Saturday with Polish-born Pope John Paul II, a day after the signing of the new European Union constitution, and said he expected the pontiff to make another visit to his homeland.
"The pope is always welcome and I have the feeling that he will come," Belka told reporters after the 15-minute meeting.
The pope has visited his homeland nine times since becoming pontiff, the last in August 2002.
Belka was one of the 25 EU leaders who signed the bloc's first constitution in Rome on Saturday.
The 84-year-old pontiff, who is suffering from Parkinson's disease, said he regretted the absence of any reference to Europe's Christian roots in the constitution, but said "these values will continue to inspire the efforts of those who assume the responsibility to shape our continent."
"I am very happy to be able to receive you at such an important moment for Poland and for Europe," the pope told Belka.
"The signing ceremony for the constitutional treaty of the European Union is an event which in a certain way concludes the enlargement process (of the which contributed to the formation of spiritual and institutional foundations of the Old Continent, but which during the past decades has remained on the sidelines," he said.
The constitution, agreed in June after two years of haggling, aims to streamline EU institutions and prevent decision-making gridlock in a bloc which grew from 15 to 25 members this year, with several more waiting in line.
(Source: http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/041030140514.gzw87lxx) |
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