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Pope Encourages Mexico in Drug War
11-07-2009
VATICAN CITY, JULY 10, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is affirming Mexico's efforts in favor of life and against drug trafficking problems, while calling for a deeper understanding of the citizen's right to religious freedom.
The Pope stated this today in an audience with the new Mexican ambassador to the Holy See, Federico Ling Altamirano.
The Pontiff recognized that Mexico's identity has been shaped by years of "a fruitful relationship with the message of salvation proclaimed by the Catholic Church."
He explained, "Faith in Jesus Christ has engendered a culture in Mexico that provides a specific and complete meaning for life, and a hopeful vision of existence, at the same time setting out a series of fundamental principles for the harmonious development of all society."
The Holy Father recalled the World Meeting of Families held last January in Mexico City.
He recognized the country's "high esteem" for families, and thus requested that they be given "adequate assistance."
In this way, he added, homes can "continue to be schools of mutual respect and understanding, seedbeds of human virtues and a reason for hope in the rest of society."
Benedict XVI affirmed the "reciprocal autonomy and healthy collaboration" between the Holy See and Mexico.
Church and state
He underlined the state's duty to "protect and support religious freedom in all aspects of its public and social life."
The Pope continued, "The truth is that religious freedom is not just one more right among many others, nor a privilege claimed by the Catholic Church."
"It belongs to the essence of each individual," he said, "of each people and each nation," and cannot be "restricted to the mere coexistence of citizens who practice their religion privately, or limited to the free exercise of worship."
Believers must be assured that they can "express their religious beliefs, at the same time making their contribution to forging the common good and a just social order in all aspects of life, with no restriction or coercion," the Pontiff stated.
He acknowledged the nation's efforts to build a more "just and united ordering of society and to overcome the contrasts that continue to afflict the country."
In particular, the Holy Father noted Mexico's work to eliminate "violence, drug trafficking, and inequality and poverty, which are fertile ground for delinquency."
He lauded the country's abolishment of the death penalty in 2005, as well as recent initiatives by some states to "protect human life from its beginnings."
"It cannot be overemphasized that the right to life must be recognized in all its fullness," he affirmed.
Benedict XVI stated that these recent moves in favor of life "should be an emblem of your homeland, one of which it can be justly proud."
http://www.zenit.org/article-26428?l=english
