During his traditional address to diplomats, the Pope warned of the growing intolerance towards Christians even in countries where they are not a minority
ACN, Filipe d’Avillez.- Pope Francis denounced that in many countries with a Christian majority this universal right is also attacked. «There can be no peace without religious freedom» added the Bishop of Rome. In his annual address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See on January 9, he spoke at length about the current threats to peace in the world, adding that «peace also requires universal recognition of religious freedom. It is worrying that people are persecuted simply because they publicly profess their faith, and in many countries religious freedom is limited.
About one-third of the world’s population lives in such conditions». This conclusion coincides with data from the latest report on «Religious Freedom in the World» published by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which found that 62 countries out of 196 have very serious violations of religious freedom.
The Holy Father stressed that Christians are particularly affected by religious persecution. «Alongside the lack of religious freedom, there is also persecution for religious reasons. I cannot fail to mention, as certain statistics show, that one in seven Christians suffers persecution.»
However, Francis continued, there are also problems in countries where Christians are in the majority and should therefore be safe from intolerance. «We must not overlook the fact that violence and acts of discrimination against Christians are also increasing in countries where the latter are not a minority.
Right to freedom of religion
Religious freedom is also at risk where believers are restricted in their ability to express their convictions in the life of society in the name of a misguided understanding of inclusion. Religious freedom, which cannot be reduced simply to freedom of worship, is one of the minimum requirements for a dignified life.» This is not the first time Pope Francis has warned about the danger of a «polite persecution» disguised as modernity and progress, which has grown and affects many religious groups.
Francis called on governments to ensure the protection of religious freedom at home and to do all they can to promote it abroad, praising the fact that the European Union, for example, has appointed a new Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief outside the EU can have the necessary resources, means and thus properly carry out its own mandate. «Governments have the duty to protect this right and to ensure that every person, in a manner compatible with the common good, enjoys the opportunity to act in accordance with his or her own conscience, also in the public sphere and in the exercise of his or her profession.»
The Pope further stressed that religion should not be seen as a cause of conflict between nations and peoples, but as «part of the solution for a more harmonious life in society,» he said, citing his own speech delivered during his visit to Kazakhstan. , in 2022. «Attempts are often made to blame religion for the various conflicts within our human family, and sometimes deplorable efforts are made to exploit religion for purely political purposes.
Union and peace for the world
This runs counter to the Christian understanding, which sees the root of all conflict in an imbalance present in the human heart: «In the words of the Gospel, from within, from the heart of man, evil thoughts come forth. Christianity is a force for peace, since it favors conversion and the exercise of virtue,» Pope Francis concluded. Promoting religious freedom around the world and monitoring violations is one of the missions of ACN, which publishes a biannual Religious Freedom Report.
ACN’s Global Religious Freedom Report, ACN’s flagship research project, has evolved considerably over the years from a small booklet published in Italian in 1999 to a publication of approximately 800 pages, produced by a large team. The next report will be published in 2023.