Pope thanks Catholic radios for working to consolidate Europe's Christian identity

Vatican City, Oct 14, 2004 / 22:00 pm

In an audience with members of the European Conference of Christian Radios (ECCR) today Pope John Paul II thanked the "numerous European Radios, from the Atlantic to the Urals" for having worked over the years "to consolidate, among listeners, the awareness of their common Christian roots and to stimulate in them a commitment to serve peace."

By your work, the Holy Father said to the 400 participants who were in Rome to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the conference’s founding, "you have thus given a precious contribution to building Europe on ethical and spiritual foundations, promoting understanding and bringing the people of our continent closer to each other."

“Persevere with generosity in this important mission,” exhorted the Pope. “May your voices, in the variety of your respective programs, continue to give witness to Christ, salvation of the world, and to announce His Gospel of peace to everyone."

The aims of the ECCR are to promote human rights, democracy and a "European conscience" among peoples and to share experiences among Christian radios.

ECCR was founded in Brussels in 1994 by four radio organizations: COPE in Spain, RCF in France, CORALLO in Italy and RR, Radio Renascenca in Portugal and has NGO (Non-governmental organization) status.

It is comprised of 14 members and 2 "friends," including Vatican Radio and Radio Suisse Romande.