Pope urges European institutions to promote a 'healthy secularism'

Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

On Monday Pope Leo received the Working Group on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, an initiative of the European Parliament. He told them: "European institutions need people who know how to live a healthy secularism, that is, a style of thinking and acting that affirms the value of religion while preserving the distinction - not separation or confusion - from the political sphere."

The Pope began by thanking them for the initiative and expressing his hope that it would bear much fruit. He said: "Promoting dialogue between cultures and religions is a key objective for a Christian politician, and thanks be to God there is no shortage of people who have given good witness in this regard."

Being men and women of dialogue, means remaining deeply rooted in the Gospel and in the values that flow from it and, at the same time, cultivating openness, listening and dialogue with those who come from other backgrounds. Pope Leo said this necessitates "always placing the human person, human dignity, and our relational and communal nature at the centre."

Participation in inter religious dialogue, by its nature, he went on to say, recognises that religion is of value both on a personal level and in the social sphere, recalling that the word 'religion' itself "refers to the notion of connection as an original element of humanity."

Therefore, he stressed, when authentic and well-cultivated, the religious dimension can greatly enhance interpersonal relationships and help people to live in community and society.

The Holy Father stressed: "And how important it is today, to emphasize the value and importance of human relationships!"

With this in mind, he suggested, "European institutions need people who know how to live a healthy secularism, that is, a style of thinking and acting that affirms the value of religion while preserving the distinction - not separation or confusion - from the political sphere," as he brought to mind examples of Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide De Gasperi.

Pope Leo XIV concluded by thanking them for the work they do to promote dialogue among, and respect for, all people, and imparting God's blessing upon them and their work.