“Freedom of religion, that is institutionally guaranteed and actually respected, for both individuals and communities, is for all believers a prerequisite for their ideal contribution to the building of society”. This was said by Benedict XVI to the president of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkey, whom he met today. “As men and women of religion said the Pope , we are put in front of the challenge of the widespread aspiration to justice, development, solidarity, freedom, security, peace, the protection of the environment and of the resources of the earth. This is also because, while we respect the legitimate independence of all things temporal, we have a specific contribution to offer in the search for suitable solutions to such pressing issues”. “In particular highlighted the Pontiff , we can offer a reliable response to the issue that has been clearly brought to the fore by modern society, even if it is often disregarded”, i.e. "that of the meaning and the purpose of life". According to the Pope, "we are called to join forces so as to help society open up to transcendence and recognise to God the place "He deserves”. (to be continued)
