Rome - Pope Benedict XVI spoke Saturday about the "emptiness" of modern times and called for a "New Europe" in which people, especially the young, could approach the "spiritual treasures" of religion.

Today's world was characterized by a "dangerous culture of emptiness and senselesness," the pope said in an address at the general meeting of the Benedictine order in Castel Gandolfo.

The men and women of the religious orders were asked to present suggestions for possible new ways of spreading the world of God.

The Benedictines should also turn to the cultures of other countries, especially in Asia and Africa, "without any difference to race or religion". (dpa)