The Vatican said today it was disappointed the European Union had failed to include a reference to the region's Christian roots in its landmark constitution.
"The Holy See can't help but express displeasure with some governments' opposition to the explicit recognition of Europe's Christian roots," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement the day after the EU agreed on the historic constitution.
"It shows a disregard for historical evidence and for the Christian identity of the European population," he said.
Poland, Italy and other Roman Catholic countries had tried to secure a reference to Europe's Christian heritage, but failed in the face of opposition from countries like France.
Navarro-Valls said the Vatican was however pleased an agreement had finally been reached on the constitution and extended "deep appreciation and gratitude" to those governments that pushed for a recognition of Europe's Christian roots.