The Pope Welcomes Malta and the new EU countries

Pope hails entry of 10 new EU nations
Associated Press

Vatican City ? The Pope hailed the entry of 10 new nations, including his native Poland, into the European Union on Sunday and said it must rediscover its Christian roots to deal with diverse cultures and religions.

Pope John Paul has been a staunch supporter of inserting specific reference to the continent's Christian foundations in the new European constitution.

?The unity of the European peoples, if it is to be lasting, cannot however be only economic and political,? he told thousands of tourists and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for his weekly appearance from his studio window.

The pontiff said that ?the soul of Europe remains united even today because it refers to common human and Christian values.