Pope John Paul II said EU policy-makers should rediscover their Christian roots, urging them to include a recognition of Europe's Christian heritage in its first constitution, which will be signed next year.

A recent draft constitution which was introduced to the European leaders had not referred to Europe's Christian tradition.

An exhortation to the Church in Europe has been issued by the pope to include the Christian heritage of Europe in the constitution. He also expressed that religious bodies should be recognized as social bodies.

The Vatican, Greek Orthodox Church, leaders from Italy, Spain, Portugal and Poland continue to urge the policy-makers to change the draft. But many oppose the recognition of any religion in the constitution.