Freedom of religion key to nation's life, pope tells Taiwan envoy

Published: 2004-01-30

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II said freedom of religion and respect for its traditions are key to the life and culture of a nation. In a Jan. 30 address to Taiwan's new ambassador to the Holy See, Chou-Seng Tou, the pope said, "the good of society entails that the right to religious freedom be enshrined in law and be given effective protection." The pope praised Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China and formerly known as Formosa, for its respect of various religions and the right of religious practice. "Religions are a component in the life and culture of a nation and bring a great sense of well-being to a community by offering a certain level of social order, tranquility, harmony and assistance to the weak and outcast," the pope said. "Religions make a great contribution to the genuine progress of society and promote, in a very significant way, the culture of peace on both the national and international levels," the pope said.

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