Pope receives EU leaders at Vatican

(ANSA) - Vatican City, May 6 - Pope Francis received President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk at the Apostolic Palace on Friday before the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony in the Vatican.
    The prize's executive committee announced that the pope would be the recipient of the 2016 prize - awarded for work done in the service of European unification - last December. It commended the pope's message of "peace and understanding" as well as "compassion, tolerance, solidarity and the integrity of creation throughout his pontificate." "In these times, in which many citizens in Europe seek orientation, His Holiness Pope Francis sends a message of love and encouragement," it said in a statement.
    Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and King Felipe of Spain will also attend the ceremony.