Brussels, 17/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Rome, the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, declared, "I agree with the fact that secularism is a triumph for European democracy but Christian roots are not incompatible". He explained that Italy wanted the preamble to the Constitution to be rewritten with a reference to "Judeo-Christian roots". He added (in a quote by AFP) that, "Europe is a Union of States and peoples. The countries are demanding secularism and I don't se any problem that the peoples can see a mention of their Judeo-Christian roots". "Italy considers, as does a number of countries, that the words of the Pope have a particular weight. I won't speak of pressure but the moral appeal resonates for us Catholics in a particular way", he added.