Religious leaders from Europe's three main faiths blessed the European Union's eastward enlargement this morning at a ceremony in Dublin.
The Government organised an ecumenical prayer service to anoint EU expansion to 25 members from 15, taking in the mostly ex-communist countries from eastern Europe.
"We, representatives of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities want to extend our warmest greetings to our EU brothers and sisters, especially the 100 million new citizens of the 10 new member states," said Cardinal Desmond Connell.
Muslim Imam Hussein Halawa joined the prayer, declaring the "desire to work for the common European good convinced that Europe's material, political, social, cultural and spiritual well-being is indivisible.
"Europe begins to breathe more fully with the two lungs of the East and West," he said.
The religious leaders read passages from the Bible and Koran, which referred to peace, solidarity and love.
"We pray for all in positions of responsibility and influence: guide our leaders in preserving our peace and in working to create the conditions that enable harmony," said Reverend Alan Mitchell of the Presbyterian Church.
A representative of the Jewish community, Paddy Monaghan, recalled a passage from the Old Testament that could refer to religious or ethnic minorities in Europe.
"If a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not wrong him," Monaghan said. The imam's verse from the Koran also concerned a need for the reconciliation among people.
"We invite you to join us as we renew our commitment to promoting a Europe whose values are rooted in God," Cardinal Connell said.