Pope John Paul II has welcomed the arrival of Europe's common currency. Saying he hopes it helps to promote development and unity.
"I address a special wish for peace and prosperity to the nations of the European Union that, today with the single currency, accomplish a historical goal," he said at a New Year's Day Mass in Rome.
"May justice and solidarity grow in all of Europe, to the advantage of the entire human family," he added.
The Vatican is converting to the euro alongside its European Union neighbours today.It is being allowed to mint its own euro coins bearing John Paul's image on one side. It will use the standard euro bank notes.