Vatican opposes Turkey’s joining the EU

The chairman of the theological teachings board of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, on Thursday was quoted as saying that it would be a great mistake to accept a Muslim state into Europe.
Speaking to the French publication L’Express Ratzinger claimed that Turkey was the antithesis of Europe, saying that throughout history it represented the opposite continent to Europe.
“For the sake of economic riches the cultural riches should not be sacrificed,” the Cardinal said.
Ratzinger also said that Turkey should seek its future not in European countries but in a political union of Muslim states.
Turkey’s Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, rejected the comments of the Cardinal. As the Vatican was not a member of the European Union, its opinion on EU policies was not applicable, Erdogan said Thursday during a visit to Georgia.