Vatican City, Nov 26, 2006 / 22:00 pm
In an interview with Turkish press yesterday, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., the Director of the Holy See Press Office reiterated that the Vatican is not opposed to Turkey joining the European Union.
Speaking to Anatolia news agency, Fr. Lombardi pointed out that the issue of Turkish membership in the EU is a political one and that it must be noted that the Vatican is not a member of the EU. He concluded that there can be no objections to membership if Turkey fulfills its obligations and meets the requirements of the EU criteria.
The Turkish press has repeatedly circulated comments made by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prior to his election as Pope Benedict XVI, that including Turkey in the EU would be a “grave error against the tide of history,” considering the Christian history of Europe.
Though Pope Benedict has spoken on the need to rediscover the Christian identity of Europe, he has not directly commented on the Turkish/E.U. issue since his election.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA