Pope: Unlike the rest of Europe, Turkey is not Christian
Güncelleme Tarihi:
The spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, has touched on the subject of Turkey's possible EU accession in his first book since becoming pope. In the book, entitled "Benedict's Europe in Cultural Crises," the Pope calls attention to the fact that unlike other members of the EU, Turkey has no Christian roots. The book will be presented to the press today.
News about the book printed by Italian news agency "Apcom" carried the title "The Pope invites thought about Turkey's attempt to enter the EU."
Secular government   Â
Benedict XVI talks about Ataturk's secularist stance in his book, saying "Later, Ataturk transferred the secularity from the European world to Turkey, trying to turn Turkey into a secular government." Benedict goes on to say that any country which embodies the same enlightened principles as Europe has the potential to be a part of it.Â
Benedict XVI also writes in his new book that his wish is that "democracy and human rights be accepted everywhere."Â Â
No mention of Christian roots in EU Constitution an "absence"
Sections from the Pope's new book, which were published Thursday in the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera," characterized the fact that Europe's Christian roots weren't plainly spelled out in the EU Constitution as being an "absence."
Referring to the fact that the EU Constitution didn't make the EU's Christian roots clear, Benedict XVI laments: "Who would have been hurt? Who's personality would have been threatened?....."Â Â Â
It is expected that the 144 page writing, published by the Vatican, will be introduced to the press tomorrow at a press conference.   Â