Culture of disbelief among threats to religious freedom, says pope

Published: 2005-12-05

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI said religious freedom is threatened in parts of the world, sometimes by religious and political factors and sometimes by a prevailing culture of disbelief. The pope made the remarks at his Sunday blessing Dec. 4, speaking to thousands of pilgrims from his apartment window above St. Peter's Square. He noted that 40 years ago the Second Vatican council issued its Declaration on Religious Freedom ("Dignitatis Humanae"), which said religious freedom is a right that stems from the dignity of each person. The council, the pope said, was reaffirming traditional church teaching that every person, as a spiritual being, has the right and duty to seek the truth and that religious freedom must be given to each individual and community. "After 40 years, this teaching of the council remains of great relevance today," the pope said.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .