Respect for religion essential to peace: Fr. Lombardi
September 13, 2012: Holy See Press Office director, Fr. Federico Lombardi released
a statement to journalists Wednesday following the killing of Washington's ambassador
to Libya J. Christopher Stevens. Ambassador Stevens was killed in a mob attack at
a U.S. Consulate, fuelled by anger over a film mocking Islam:
“Profound respect
for the beliefs, texts, outstanding figures and symbols of the various religions is
an essential precondition for the peaceful coexistence of peoples.
The serious
consequences of unjustified offence and provocations against the sensibilities of
Muslim believers are once again evident in these days, as we see the reactions they
arouse, sometimes with tragic results, which in their turn nourish tension and hatred,
unleashing unacceptable violence.
The message of dialogue and respect for all
believers of different religions, which the Holy Father is preparing to carry with
him on his forthcoming trip to Lebanon, indicates the path that everyone should follow
in order to construct shared and peaceful coexistence of religions and peoples”.