Source: The Washington Times

Wire Service: UPI

http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20040620-092431-8102r.htm

On June 20, 2004 United Press International reported, "Pope John Paul II used his noon appearance at his window Sunday to criticize the EU's failure to include a reference to Christianity in its new constitution. Speaking in his native Polish, the pope declared, 'One does not cut the roots to one's birthright.' The pope had campaigned strongly for the inclusion of a reference to Europe's Christian roots in the new EU constitution. But a proposal for a 'Christianity clause' put forward by several member countries failed to garner the necessary support in the 25-member union. The Vatican expressed its disappointment Saturday when the constitution was approved at a special summit in Brussels. But on Sunday Pope John Paul publicly thanked Poland, one of the supporters of the proposal. He said Poland had 'faithfully defended the Christian roots of our continent from which had emerged the culture and progress of our times.' The Italian news agency ANSA said the pontiff had 'spoken with force and firm tones.'"