Pope: Roots of Europe Cannot be Alienated

By Cihan News Agency
Thursday 28, 2005

Pope Benedict XVI, who chose his name after being inspired by
Benedict XV, said during his first that Europe cannot be alienated
from its Christian roots during his first public address in Saint
Peter Square.

“Benedict XV had ruled the church during the chaotic period of World
War I had a unique and brave idea of peace. I will try to provide
harmony and peace among the people and follow in his footsteps,” The
Pope then clarified his choice of this name. The life of Benedict XV
reawakened Christianity in Europe and it is significant in the sense
that he too is named Benedict, the Pope added. Benedict XV who
inspired hisname was known as the pope who sent a letter to Sultan
Murad V in 1915 after allegations regarding atrocities against the
Armenians on Ottoman territory and then when on to continue to
exchange letters with the founder of te Turkish Republic Mustafa
Kemal Ataturk in the years that followed.