Europe at centre of Pope Benedict XVI-Barroso talks

May 5, 2006, 16:56 GMT

Vatican City - European Union enlargement and the difficult prospects currently facing the union lay at the centre of talks at the Vatican on Friday between Pope Benedict XVI and EU Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said Barroso had outlined the current situation facing the EU as well as the main challenges ahead.

'It was agreed that despite the current clouds, one can look with confidence to the process of (European) integration and the consolidation of Europe's institutions,' the statement said.

According to an EU statement, Barroso said Pope Benedict XVI had 'made it clear that he has confidence in Europe and its capacity to face its challenges.

'I am glad for his encouragement, and for his support for European integration,' Barroso was quoted as saying.

As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the German-born pope had voiced criticisms over plans to allow Turkey to join the EU.

But in an interview with the Italian news agency Ansa, Barroso said he had told Benedict that he believed the pope's planned trip to Istanbul in November would help 'bring Turkey closer to Europe.'

'I am sure the visit will help improve relations between Turkey and the rest of the European nations,' Barroso said.

The EU is currently facing a period of soul-searching following the rejection by several member states of a European-wide constitution. Complex enlargement talks and a slow-growing economy have also contributed to the public's disenchantment towards the EU.

The 20-minute papal audience was Barroso's first with Benedict since his election as head of the Roman Catholic Church last year.

Benedict's predecessor, John Paul II, had worked hard to include a reference to Europe's Christian heritage in the constitution, but his appeals were ultimately turned down by EU legislators.

EU officials said Friday's talks had also focussed on the importance of religious freedom in Europe and on the need for continued dialogue between different religions and cultures.

Barroso then held talks with Vatican officials ahead of a planned meeting with Italian Prime Minister-in-waiting Romano Prodi.

Prodi was Barroso's predecessor at the helm of the Commission.