Pope receives Mexico’s new ambassador to the Holy See

(July 10, 2009) Religious freedom is neither an additional right nor a privilege that the Catholic Church demands, but it belongs to the very essence of every person, people and nation. Pope Benedict made the point to Mexico’s new ambassador to the Holy See, Hector Federico Ling Altamirano whom he welcomed at a formal ceremony in the Vatican on Friday. The core meaning of religious freedom, the Pope explained, does not permit it to being limited only to a mere coexistence of citizens who practice their religion privately or restrict the free exercise of religion. Instead it should guarantee full security to believers to express their religion publicly, enabling them to be contribute to building the common good and the right social order in every sphere of social life without any form of restriction or coercion. While supporting and promoting this view of the positive role of religion in society, the Pope said, the Catholic Church does not want to interfere with the proper autonomy of civil institutions. In his talk to Mexico’s new ambassador, Pope Benedict also commended the government’s effort in trying to address serious problems such as violence, drug trafficking, inequality and poverty, which he said are a breeding ground for crime. The Pope pointed out that for effective and lasting solutions to these problems technical or security measures alone will not suffice. What is needed is a breadth of vision and efficient combination of efforts as well as fostering a moral renewal, educating consciences and building a true culture of life. In this task Pope Benedict pledged the Church’s sincere cooperation and solidarity.