Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ashgabat (Agenzia Fides) – The theme chosen by the Pope for the next World Day for Peace 2011, “is especially important today when, in so many parts of the world, religious freedom is violated or limited. With great joy and deep interest we will welcome the reflections of the Holy Father. In Turkmenistan we continue our mission, taking little steps forward towards full religious freedom”. This was how Fr. Andrzej Madej OMI, Superior of the Catholic Missio Sui Iuris in Turkmenistan, commented to Fides the title/theme of Pope Benedict XVI's message for the next World Day for Peace on 1 January 2011, “Religious Freedom: the Path to Peace”.
“Respect for every human person, is first of all respect for the individual conscience and for decisions reached at a spiritual level. The heart of the dignity of every human person is freedom of conscience and therefore freedom to believe. By respecting this dignity, we build peace ”, the Superior told Fides.
“When there is violation, pressure, abuse of the individual conscience, when freedom of conscience or freedom of belief is restricted, this is the greatest act of violence against the human person and it causes conflicts and wars”, he continues
Fr . Madej concludes: “The nucleus of peace and human brotherhood is found in respect for freedom of religion. The Message of the Holy Father will tell us that to respect the conscience of every human person means to lay solid foundations for peace”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/7/2010)
