Adds That Trend Is a "Serious Problem"
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Terrorism is a serious problem, says Benedict XVI, and one in which violence and disregard for human life is used in God's name.
The Pope said this today upon receiving in audience participants of the executive council meeting of the Centrist Democrat International, a global political party that promotes Christian democracy. The encounter took place at Castel Gandolfo.
The Holy Father said that terrorism "is a serious problem whose perpetrators often claim to act in God's name and harbor an inexcusable contempt for human life."
He said that the violent acts are based on the "charge that society has forgotten God: an accusation shamelessly exploited by some terrorist networks in an attempt to justify their threats against global security."
"Terrorism needs to be fought with determination and effectiveness," added the Pontiff, "mindful that if the mystery of evil is widespread today, the solidarity of mankind in goodness is an even more pervasive mystery."
Benedict XVI continued: "In democratic systems, the use of force in a manner contrary to the principles of a constitutional state can never be justified. Indeed, how can we claim to protect democracy if we threaten its very foundations?
"Consequently, it is necessary both to keep careful watch over the security of civil society and its citizens while at the same time safeguarding the inalienable rights of all."
Ideologies
Benedict XVI invited those present to work "to prevent the dissemination and entrenchment of ideologies which obscure and confuse consciences by promoting an illusory vision of truth and goodness."
The Pontiff also denounced the existence of a "tendency to view financial gain as the only good, thus eroding the internal ethos of commerce to the point that even profit margins suffer."
He expressed his concern that "there are some who believe that it is legitimate to destroy human life in its earliest or final stages."
The Holy Father added: "Equally troubling is the growing crisis of the family, which is the fundamental nucleus of society based on the indissoluble bond of marriage between a man and a woman.
"Experience has shown that when the truth about man is subverted or the foundation of the family undermined, peace itself is threatened and the rule of law is compromised, leading inevitably to forms of injustice and violence."
Benedict XVI said that the exercise of religious freedom "also includes the right to change religion, which should be guaranteed not only legally, but also in daily practice."
ZE07092109 - 2007-09-21