The president of the German parliament, Christian Democrat Norbert Lammert, has invited Pope Benedict XVI to issue a statement next year commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which established the European Economic Community, the precursor of the European Union.

Lammert invited the Pontiff to address the spiritual principles of the process of political union in Europe. He said he is waiting to receive word if the Pope will accept the invitation.

Germany is set to assume the presidency of the EU in 2007, coinciding with the anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome in 1957 by Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Luxemburg.