The Pope has made a passionate address and urged French bishops to create a new generation of Catholic professionals to counteract the rising French and European secularism with true Gospel values.

Concern has been aroused in the Pope after continuous news across Europe of the way in which the Church is being marginalised more and more in modern-day Europe.

In a six-page letter to honour the centenary celebrations of France’s separation of the Church and State, the Pope also emphasised that Europe must be sure not to forget its Christian roots. Pope John Paul II said, "Christianity played and still plays an important role in French society."

He continued by paying tribute to a number of top Catholic intellectuals that emerged over a "particularly rich period" in the last century. Politicians, artists, theologians were all honoured, and Henri de Lubac, Yves Congar, Marie-Dominique Chenu, Jacques Maritain, Georges Bernanos, Francois Mauriac, and Jean Lacroix were all mentioned.

He said, "These people, as well as many other Catholics, had a decisive influence on the social life of your country and, certainly, on the construction of Europe."

The letter comes amid a year where Christians all over Europe have voiced their concerns at ‘Christianity’ not being given a place at all in the newly drafted European Constitution. The Vatican, in particular, has expressed its deep opposition clearly in there being no reference to Europe’s rich Christian heritage

The Pope said that especially in the west, a "crisis of values and lack of hope" are part of a "crisis of identity in modern society."

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church encouraged all bishops to promote to all people a greater knowledge and appreciation of the Church’s teachings, particularly in a social context. In addition, he further urged the bishops to "intervene regularly in public debate on the great questions of society."