"A wise respect of every faithful and every person’s religious freedom is essential to ensure peaceful coexistence and cooperation. This commitment should be made not only by governments, but also by the civil society, by every individual and, in particular, by the religious communities themselves." These words were spoken by Mgr Celestino Migliore, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, in an interview with the SIR on the theme of religious freedom, a theme at the core of his address at the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Archbishop, "with globalisation the respect of religious freedom has become a priority. People from different cultures, traditions and religions meet and interact in many ways." Mgr Migliore explains that basic documents on international right provide a "conceptual description" of religious freedom and "the instruments to implement and guarantee it." Nevertheless, it is a question of political will. Religion, once seen by many as opium of the people, is now seen as vitamin for the poor," with "clear social implications." This is why "we need a wise and sharp political will to keep it free of any influence."
