Prodi’s prayer

IF YOU were to invent stereotypical first names for an Italian prime minister and a German chancellor, you might come up with Romano (what could be more Latin?) and Helmut (splendidly, solidly Teutonic). But despite their obvious differences, both Romano Prodi and Helmut Kohl have much in common—which helps explain why the dinner they ate together in a Roman restaurant on January 20th was so convivial. Both men are plump, cheerful and reassuring. They eat heartily: four first courses for Mr Kohl. Both hide their occasional fits of grumps behind wide spectacles and avuncular smiles. Above all, both men believe passionately in “Europe”.