"Every liberal society should carefully estimate to what extent the freedom of speech and expression may be allowed to ignore religious sensitiveness. The issue is particularly important when the harmonious integration of several religious groups is a priority". It was declared by Benedict XVI today, while receiving in hearing the ambassadress of Sweden Perols Ulla Birgitta Gudmundson, at the Holy See. She is to present credential letters. "The right to be defended against discrimination is sometimes invoked in circumstances calling into question the right of religious groups to assert and put into practice their firm convictions", explained the Pope, making the example of "the fundamental importance of the institution of marriage for society; marriage is the union of man and woman for life, open up to the transmission of life". "And even the very right to life, in the case of the unborn – pointed out the Pope – is often denied the unconditioned juridical defence it deserves". "Keeping equilibrium between competing freedoms he concluded – is one of the most delicate moral challenges to be tackled by a modern State". ” ” ” “
