Pope calls for respect for religious freedom in South Asia

Pope Benedict XVI dedicated his last general audience before his departure for the United Kingdom to an appeal for respect for religious freedom and reconciliation in South Asia.

Speaking to a packed Paul VI hall the Pope said : “I am following with concern the events that occurred recently in various regions of South Asia, especially India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. I pray for the victims and call for respect for religious freedom and the logic of reconciliation and peace prevail over hatred and violence”.

Earlier in his catechesis, the Holy Father continued his series of lessons on the great women figures of the Church in the Middle Ages, this week illustrating the life and legacy of St Clare of Assisi:

“Our catechesis today deals with Saint Clare of Assisi, the great mystic, friend of Saint Francis and foundress of the Poor Clare Nuns. Born to a family of means, Clare chose to embrace a life of radical poverty, chastity and trust in God’s providence; received by Francis, she consecrated herself completely to Christ and, together with her companions, embraced the common life in the Church of San Damiano in Assisi”.

“The spiritual friendship between Clare and Francis reminds us of how the great saints have found in such friendships a powerful impetus to greater love of Christ and renewed strength in the pursuit of the way of perfection. Clare’s Rule, the first written by a woman, sought to preserve and foster the Franciscan charism in the growing number of women’s communities which followed the example of Francis and her own”.

“Her spirituality, nourished by the Eucharist, was based on the loving contemplation of Christ as the source and perfection of every virtue. Saint Clare shows us the value of consecrated virginity as an image of the Church’s love for her divine Spouse, and the decisive role played by courageous and faith-filled women to the Church’s renewal in every age”.

Finally the Pope greeted english language pilgrims present: “I welcome the pilgrimage group from Iran, in the company of Archbishop Thomas Meram. My cordial greeting also goes to the participants in the international symposium of Benedictine Nuns and Sisters. I also greet those taking part in the biennial meeting of KPMG International. Upon all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Audience, especially the pilgrim groups from England, Scotland, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and the United States of America, I invoke God’s abundant blessings”.