Religious freedom was among the topics which Pope Francis touched upon during a meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.
Vatican Radio reported that in his address to the Italian head of state, Pope Francis recalled how 2013 marked the 17th centenary of the Edict of Milan, a document which many consider to be the first example of religious freedom being promoted.
It’s everyone’s responsibility
“In today’s world, religious freedom is more often affirmed than put into practice,” the pope said. It is often threatened, and not infrequently violated. The serious outrages against this fundamental right are a source of serious concern and need to be confronted at the global level, he said.
Defending religious liberty and making it available for everyone, Pope Francis said, is everyone’s responsibility. Doing so “guarantees the growth and development of the entire community.”