Policies for tolerance must understand humanity, says pope

Published: 2005-12-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- If policies aimed at promoting tolerance and respect for religious, cultural and ethnic differences are to benefit society, they must be based on "an authentic understanding" of humanity, Pope Benedict XVI said. Welcoming Francis Campbell, Great Britain's new ambassador to the Vatican, the pope said the values of tolerance and respect for differences "derive from an appreciation of the innate dignity and the inalienable rights of every human person." However, the promotion of these values must take into account God's plan for humanity, which includes protecting all life and safeguarding the family, he said in his Dec. 23 address to the new ambassador. "It requires us to recognize and protect the sanctity of life from the first moment of conception until natural death. It requires us to acknowledge the indispensable role of stable marriage and family life for the good of society," Pope Benedict said.

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