The fact that other people are worse off than us is certainly cold comfort for those in Germany who have to count every cent.

convinced that Germany was committed to seeing through its modernizing policies, and that the friendship between Germany and France remained the indispensable motor of European construction.

Germany must be a country which generates political ideas and leadership, which is capable of compromise, which is sovereign and yet knows that it needs its partners on both sides of the Atlantic.

It is particularly moving, and I can say this also as a Protestant Christian, that a German - one of us - has been made Pope,

Germany's fate is decided first and foremost in Europe. Reconciliation and cooperation in Europe have brought us freedom, peace and prosperity. Who would have dared to believe so much 50 years ago?

I am convinced we shall succeed. I have faith in this country, because I have faith in its people.