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Pope
Benedict XVI - Addresses |
Papal
New Year's Address to Diplomatic Corps
"Religion Does Not Represent a
Problem to Society"
January 10, 2011
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to welcome you, the
distinguished representatives of so many
countries, to this meeting which each year
assembles you around the Successor of Peter.
It is a deeply significant meeting, since it
is a sign and illustration of the place of
the Church and of the Holy See in the
international community. I offer my
greetings and cordial good wishes to each of
you, and particularly to those who have come
for the first time. I am grateful to you for
the commitment and interest with which, in
the exercise of your demanding
responsibilities, you follow my activities,
those of the Roman Curia and thus, in some
sense, the life of the Catholic Church
throughout the world. Your Dean, Ambassador
Alejandro Valladares Lanza, has interpreted
your sentiments and I thank him for the good
wishes which he has expressed to me in the
name of all. Knowing how close-knit your
community is, I am certain that today you
are also thinking of the Ambassador of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands, Baroness van
Lynden-Leijten, who several weeks ago
returned to the house of the Father. I
prayerfully share your sentiments.
As a new year begins, our own hearts and the
entire world continue to echo the joyful
message proclaimed twenty centuries ago in
the night of Bethlehem, a night which
symbolizes humanity’s deep need for light,
love and peace. To the men and women of that
time, as to those of our own day, the
heavenly hosts brought the good news of the
coming of the Saviour: "The people who
walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined" (Is 9:1). The
mystery of the Son of God who became the son
of man truly surpasses all human
expectations. In its absolute gratuitousness
this saving event is the authentic and full
response to the deep desire of every heart.
The truth, goodness, happiness and abundant
life which each man and woman consciously or
unconsciously seeks are given to us by God.
In longing for these gifts, each person is
seeking his Creator, for "God alone responds
to the yearning present in the heart of
every man and woman" (Post-Synodal Apostolic
Exhortation Verbum Domini, 23). Humanity
throughout history, in its beliefs and
rituals, demonstrates a constant search for
God and "these forms of religious expression
are so universal that one may well call man
a religious being" (Catechism of the
Catholic Church, 28). The religious
dimension is an undeniable and irrepressible
feature of man’s being and acting, the
measure of the fulfilment of his destiny and
of the building up of the community to which
he belongs. Consequently, when the
individual himself or those around him
neglect or deny this fundamental dimension,
imbalances and conflicts arise at all
levels, both personal and interpersonal.
This primary and basic truth is the reason
why, in this year’s Message for World Day of
Peace, I identified religious freedom as the
fundamental path to peace. Peace is built
and preserved only when human beings can
freely seek and serve God in their hearts,
in their lives and in their relationships
with others.
Ladies and Gentlemen, your presence on this
solemn occasion is an invitation to survey
the countries which you represent and the
entire world. In this panorama do we not
find numerous situations in which, sadly,
the right to religious freedom is violated
or denied? It is indeed the first of human
rights, not only because it was historically
the first to be recognized but also because
it touches the constitutive dimension of
man, his relation with his Creator. Yet is
this fundamental human right not all too
often called into question or violated? It
seems to me that society, its leaders and
public opinion are becoming more and more
aware, even if not always in a clear way, of
this grave attack on the dignity and freedom
of homo religiosus, which I have sought on
numerous occasions to draw to the attention
of all.
I did so during the past year in my
Apostolic Journeys to Malta, Portugal,
Cyprus, the United Kingdom and Spain. Above
and beyond the diversity of those countries,
I recall with gratitude their warm welcome.
The Special Assembly for the Middle East of
the Synod of Bishops, which took place in
the Vatican in October, was a moment of
prayer and reflection in which our thoughts
turned insistently to the Christian
communities in that part of the world which
suffer greatly because of their fidelity to
Christ and the Church.
Looking to the East, the attacks which
brought death, grief and dismay among the
Christians of Iraq, even to the point of
inducing them to leave the land where their
families have lived for centuries, has
troubled us deeply. To the authorities of
that country and to the Muslim religious
leaders I renew my heartfelt appeal that
their Christian fellow-citizens be able to
live in security, continuing to contribute
to the society in which they are fully
members. In Egypt too, in Alexandria,
terrorism brutally struck Christians as they
prayed in church. This succession of attacks
is yet another sign of the urgent need for
the governments of the region to adopt, in
spite of difficulties and dangers, effective
measures for the protection of religious
minorities. Need we repeat it? In the Middle
East, Christians are original and authentic
citizens who are loyal to their fatherland
and assume their duties toward their
country. It is natural that they should
enjoy all the rights of citizenship, freedom
of conscience, freedom of worship and
freedom in education, teaching and the use
of the mass media" (Message to the People of
God of the Special Asembly for the Middle
East of the Synod of Bishops, 10). I
appreciate the concern for the rights of the
most vulnerable and the political
farsightedness which some countries in
Europe have demonstrated in recent days by
their call for a concerted response on the
part of the European Union for the defence
of Christians in the Middle East. Finally, I
would like to state once again that the
right to religious freedom is not fully
respected when only freedom of worship is
guaranteed, and that with restrictions.
Furthermore, I encourage the accompaniment
of the full safeguarding of religious
freedom and other humans rights by
programmes which, beginning in primary
school and within the context of religious
instruction, will educate everyone to
respect their brothers and sisters in
humanity. Regarding the states of the
Arabian Peninsula, where numerous Christian
immigrant workers live, I hope that the
Catholic Church will be able to establish
suitable pastoral structures.
Among the norms prejudicing the right of
persons to religious freedom, particular
mention must be made of the law against
blasphemy in Pakistan: I once more encourage
the leaders of that country to take the
necessary steps to abrogate that law, all
the more so because it is clear that it
serves as a pretext for acts of injustice
and violence against religious minorities.
The tragic murder of the governor of Punjab
shows the urgent need to make progress in
this direction: the worship of God furthers
fraternity and love, not hatred and
division. Other troubling situations, at
times accompanied by acts of violence, can
be mentioned in south and south-east Asia,
in countries which for that matter have a
tradition of peaceful social relations. The
particular influence of a given religion in
a nation ought never to mean that citizens
of another religion can be subject to
discrimination in social life or, even
worse, that violence against them can be
tolerated. In this regard, it is important
for interreligious dialogue to favour a
common commitment to recognizing and
promoting the religious freedom of each
person and community. And, as I remarked
earlier, violence against Christians does
not spare Africa. Attacks on places of
worship in Nigeria during the very
celebrations marking the birth of Christ are
another sad proof of this.
In a number of countries, on the other hand,
a constitutionally recognized right to
religious freedom exists, yet the life of
religious communities is in fact made
difficult and at times even dangerous (cf.
Dignitatis Humanae, 15) because the legal or
social order is inspired by philosophical
and political systems which call for strict
control, if not a monopoly, of the state
over society. Such inconsistencies must end,
so that believers will not find themselves
torn between fidelity to God and loyalty to
their country. I ask in particular that
Catholic communities be everywhere
guaranteed full autonomy of organization and
the freedom to carry out their mission, in
conformity with international norms and
standards in this sphere.
My thoughts turn once again to the Catholic
community of mainland China and its pastors,
who are experiencing a time of difficulty
and trial. I would also like to offer a word
of encouragement to the authorities of Cuba,
a country which in 2010 celebrated
seventy-five years of uninterrupted
diplomatic relations with the Holy See, that
the dialogue happily begun with the Church
may be reinforced and expanded.
Turning our gaze from East to West, we find
ourselves faced with other kinds of threats
to the full exercise of religious freedom. I
think in the first place of countries which
accord great importance to pluralism and
tolerance, but where religion is
increasingly being marginalized. There is a
tendency to consider religion, all religion,
as something insignificant, alien or even
destabilizing to modern society, and to
attempt by different means to prevent it
from having any influence on the life of
society. Christians are even required at
times to act in the exercise of their
profession with no reference to their
religious and moral convictions, and even in
opposition to them, as for example where
laws are enforced limiting the right to
conscientious objection on the part of
health care or legal professionals.
In this context, one can only be gratified
by the adoption by the Council of Europe
last October of a resolution protecting the
right to conscientious objection on the part
of medical personnel vis-à-vis certain acts
which gravely violate the right to life,
such as abortion.
Another sign of the marginalization of
religion, and of Christianity in particular,
is the banning of religious feasts and
symbols from civic life under the guise of
respect for the members of other religions
or those who are not believers. By acting in
this way, not only is the right of believers
to the public expression of their faith
restricted, but an attack is made on the
cultural roots which nourish the profound
identity and social cohesion of many
nations. Last year, a number of European
countries supported the appeal lodged by the
Italian government in the well-known case
involving the display of the crucifix in
public places. I am grateful to the
authorities of those nations, as well as to
all those who became involved in the issue,
episcopates, civil and religious
organizations and associations, particularly
the Patriarchate of Moscow and the other
representatives of the Orthodox hierarchy,
as well as to all those – believers and
non-believers alike – who wished to show
their sympathy for this symbol, which
bespeaks universal values.
Acknowledging religious freedom also means
ensuring that religious communities can
operate freely in society through
initiatives in the social, charitable or
educational sectors. Throughout the world,
one can see the fruitful work accomplished
by the Catholic Church in these areas. It is
troubling that this service which religious
communities render to society as a whole,
particularly through the education of young
people, is compromised or hampered by
legislative proposals which risk creating a
sort of state monopoly in the schools; this
can be seen, for example, in certain
countries in Latin America. Now that many of
those countries are celebrating the second
centenary of their independence – a fitting
time for remembering the contribution made
by the Catholic Church to the development of
their national identity – I exhort all
governments to promote educational systems
respectful of the primordial right of
families to make decisions about the
education of their children, systems
inspired by the principle of subsidiarity
which is basic to the organization of a just
society.
Continuing my reflection, I cannot remain
silent about another attack on the religious
freedom of families in certain European
countries which mandate obligatory
participation in courses of sexual or civic
education which allegedly convey a neutral
conception of the person and of life, yet in
fact reflect an anthropology opposed to
faith and to right reason.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this solemn occasion, allow me to state
clearly several principles which inspire the
Holy See, together with the whole Catholic
Church, in its activity within the
intergovernmental International
Organizations for the promotion of full
respect for the religious freedom of all.
First, the conviction that one cannot create
a sort of scale of degrees of religious
intolerance. Unfortunately, such an attitude
is frequently found, and it is precisely
acts of discrimination against Christians
which are considered less grave and less
worthy of attention on the part of
governments and public opinion. At the same
time, there is a need to reject the
dangerous notion of a conflict between the
right to religious freedom and other human
rights, thus disregarding or denying the
central role of respect for religious
freedom in the defence and protection of
fundamental human dignity. Even less
justifiable are attempts to counter the
right of religious freedom with other
alleged new rights which, while actively
promoted by certain sectors of society and
inserted in national legislation or in
international directives, are nonetheless
merely the expression of selfish desires
lacking a foundation in authentic human
nature. Finally, it seems unnecessary to
point out that an abstract proclamation of
religious freedom is insufficient: this
fundamental rule of social life must find
application and respect at every level and
in all areas; otherwise, despite correct
affirmations of principle, there is a risk
that deep injustice will be done to citizens
wishing to profess and freely practise their
faith.
Promoting the full religious freedom of
Catholic communities is also the aim of the
Holy See in signing Concordats and other
agreements. I am gratified that states in
different parts of the world, and of
different religious, cultural and juridical
traditions, choose international conventions
as a means of organizing relations between
the political community and the Catholic
Church, thus establishing through dialogue a
framework of cooperation and respect for
reciprocal areas of competence. Last year
witnessed the signing and implementation of
an Agreement for the religious assistance of
the Catholic faithful in the armed forces in
Bosnia and Herzegovina, and negotiations are
presently under way with different
countries. We trust that they will have a
positive outcome, ensuring solutions
respectful of the nature and freedom of the
Church for the good of society as a whole.
The activity of the Papal Representatives
accredited to states and international
organizations is likewise at the service of
religious freedom. I would like to point out
with satisfaction that the Vietnamese
authorities have accepted my appointment of
a Representative who will express the
solicitude of the Successor of Peter by
visiting the beloved Catholic community of
that country. I would also like to mention
that in the past year the diplomatic
presence of the Holy See was expanded in
Africa, since a stable presence is now
assured in three countries without a
resident Nuncio. God willing, I will once
more travel to that continent, to Benin next
November, in order to consign the Apostolic
Exhortation which will gather the fruits of
the labours of the second Special Assembly
for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.
Before this distinguished assembly, I would
like once more to state forcefully that
religion does not represent a problem for
society, that it is not a source of discord
or conflict. I would repeat that the Church
seeks no privileges, nor does she seek to
intervene in areas unrelated to her mission,
but simply to exercise the latter with
freedom. I invite everyone to acknowledge
the great lesson of history: "How can anyone
deny the contribution of the world’s great
religions to the development of
civilization? The sincere search for God has
led to greater respect for human dignity.
Christian communities, with their patrimony
of values and principles, have contributed
much to making individuals and peoples aware
of their identity and their dignity, the
establishment of democratic institutions and
the recognition of human rights and their
corresponding duties. Today too, in an
increasingly globalized society, Christians
are called, not only through their
responsible involvement in civic, economic
and political life but also through the
witness of their charity and faith, to offer
a valuable contribution to the laborious and
stimulating pursuit of justice, integral
human development and the right ordering of
human affairs" (Message for the Celebration
of World Peace Day, 1 January 2011, 7).
A clear example of this was Blessed Mother
Teresa of Calcutta: the centenary of her
birth was celebrated at Tirana, Skopje and
Pristina as well as in India, and a moving
homage was paid to her not only by the
Church but also by civil authorities and
religious leaders, to say nothing of people
of all religions. People like her show the
world the extent to which the commitment
born of faith is beneficial to society as a
whole.
May no human society willingly deprive
itself of the essential contribution of
religious persons and communities! As the
Second Vatican Council recalled, by
guaranteeing just religious freedom fully
and to all, society can "enjoy the benefits
of justice and peace which result from
faithfulness to God and his holy will"
(Declaration "Dignitatis Humanae," 6).
For this reason, as we exchange good wishes
for a new year rich in concord and genuine
progress, I exhort everyone, political and
religious leaders and persons of every walk
of life, to set out with determination on
the path leading to authentic and lasting
peace, a path which passes through respect
for the right to religious freedom in all
its fullness.
On this commitment, whose accomplishment
calls for the involvement of the whole human
family, I invoke the blessing of Almighty
God, who has reconciled us with himself and
with one another through his Son Jesus
Christ our peace (Eph 2:14).
A Happy New Year to all!
© Copyright 2011 -- Libreria Editrice
Vaticana
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