Enemies of peace are not Christians – Vatican spokesman

(December 20, 2010) According to the spokesman of the Holy See, the true enemies of peace are not Christians, but rather fanatics, fundamentalists and aggressive secularists. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi made the comment in the latest edition of "Octava Dies," his weekly programme for Vatican Television, that highlights the activities of the Holy Father and the Holy See. Fr. Lombardi was commenting on Pope Benedict XVI`s message for the Catholic Church’s 44th World Peace Day, which was released on Thursday. This day is observed on New Year’s Day, also the feast of the Mother of God. The theme for 2011 is "Religious Freedom, the Path to Peace." The Jesuit priest noted that Christians are currently the religious group that is suffering most because of their faith. Reiterating one of the "most striking statements" in the Pope’s Peace Day message, Father Lombardi stated that "many continue to live with the false idea that Christians are generally in positions of power and that generally it is the followers of other religions who are discriminated against, perhaps by Christians." Growing documentation from reliable sources proves the contrary, he stressed. However, he clarified that this is not the core of the Pope’s Peace Day message, which rather aims at the good of all humanity, appealing to the dignity of the human person, of every human person claiming his fundamental right. "Without respect for this right, of everyone and for everyone, we cannot build a peaceful community. Fanaticisms, fundamentalisms and aggressive secularism are the enemies of true peace," Fr. Lombardi added.