(June 06, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI has praised Queen Elizabeth II's ``noble vision
of the role of a Christian monarch,'' in a note congratulating her on her diamond
jubilee. In a message released by the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Benedict said
the British monarch has over the past 60 years been an ``inspiring example of dedication
to duty and a commitment to maintaining the principles of freedom, justice and democracy.''
Pope Benedict recalled the gracious welcome accorded to him by the Queen on his
apostolic visit to Edinburgh, Scotland in September 2010, and thanked the Queen
for the kind hospitality he received during those four days. The Papal message also
commended the Queen’s cooperation and mutual respect between the followers of different
religious traditions, saying it has contributed in no small measure to improving ecumenical
and inter-religious relations throughout her realm. Queen Elizabeth, who was crowned
June 2, 1953, is the head of the Church of England. The four-day celebration marking
her diamond jubilee ended on Tuesday