Pope to Croatian Bishops: Help Search for Truth

VATICAN CITY, JULY 6, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says that the project for European integration will not succeed if it does not take persons into account, beginning with respect for life from conception until natural death.

The Holy Father explained this to the bishops of Croatia, whom he received today at the end of their five-yearly visit to Rome.

In his response to the greetings of Cardinal Josip Bozanic, archbishop of Zagreb and president of the country's episcopal conference, the Holy Father said that Croatia "has always lived in the ambit of European civilization," and "rightly wishes to be recognized as a member of the European Union."

Croatia requested entry into the European Union in 2003 and succeeded in becoming an official candidate on June 18, 2004. Negotiations began on Oct. 3, 2005.

Relationship with Europe

If the country joins the Union, it will be able "to enter into a relationship, with sentiments of respect and dialogue, with the rest of Europeans, offering the contribution of its own culture and traditions, in the shared search for the full truth on man," added the Pontiff.

In fact, according to Benedict XVI, it is "essential" that "the construction of the common European house always be based on the truth of man, supported by the affirmation of the right of every one to life, from conception until natural death."

This respect for the human being implies, moreover, "recognition of the human being's spiritual dimension, in which his inalienable dignity is rooted," as well as "respect for the religious choices of each one, in which inalienable openness to transcendence is witnessed."

"It is possible to come to an agreement on these values," affirmed the Pope, "even by those who, without adhering to the Catholic Church, accept the voice of reason, showing sensitivity to the natural law."