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Pope, Sarkozy emphasize revamp of church-state
Peter O'Neil, Europe Correspondent , Canwest News Service
Published: Friday, September 12, 2008
LOURDES, France - Pope Benedict XVI urged France on Friday to move towards a model of secularism that acknowledges the "irreplaceable" role of religion in building an ethical consensus in one of the world's most secular societies.
Benedict, who is in Paris Friday and will arrive in Lourdes - site of a major shrine devoted to the Virgin Mary - on Saturday, stressed it is fundamental to recognize church-state separation to ensure both religious freedom and the responsibility of governments towards their citizens.
But he also seized on President Nicolas Sarkozy's unprecedented openness to a more assertive church, or "positive secularism" as Sarkozy calls it, in French society.
France established its model of secularism - called laicite - with a strict law imposed in 1905 that prohibited all state-sanctioned or state-funded religion.
"At this moment in history when cultures continue to cross paths more frequently, I am firmly convinced that a new reflection on the true meaning and importance of laicite is now necessary," Benedict said in a speech at the Elysee Palace after meeting with Sarkozy.
"In fact, it is fundamental to become more aware of the irreplaceable role of religion for the formation of consciences and the contribution which it can bring to - among other things - the creation of a basic ethical consensus within society."
Sarkozy, who spoke before the Pope, said it would be "madness" for France, which "accepts its Christian roots," to "deprive ourselves" of religion.
It is "legitimate for democracy and respectful of secularism to have a dialogue with religions," he said.
Analysts say French Catholics, with the lowest church attendance rate in Europe, feel threatened by the growing number of Muslim immigrants and might therefore be more open to greater recognition of the Catholic church's role in French culture and history.
Benedict, who is facing inevitable comparisons to his far more charismatic predecessor John Paul II, read his speech in fluent French while rarely moving his gaze from the text.
After his speech the twice-divorced Sarkozy, flanked by ex-supermodel wife Carla Bruni, introduced the Pope to key French political leaders in the audience.
Benedict appeared to make a veiled reference to the Russia-Georgia conflict, fear of a new Cold War, and Sarkozy's role, as the current president of the European Union, in convincing Russia to honour its withdrawal commitments.
"As we face the danger of a resurgence of old suspicions, tensions and conflicts among nations, which we are troubled to witness today, France, which historically has been sensitive to reconciliation between peoples, is called to help Europe build up peace within her borders and throughout the world."
He stressed his longstanding message since assuming the papacy in 2005 that France, like Europe, is rooted in Christianity.
Benedict also subtly restated the church's longstanding opposition to abortion and euthanasia when he spoke of the "inalienable" human rights of people "from conception to natural death."
© Canwest News Service 2008
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world ... 60df13cc29
Peter O'Neil, Europe Correspondent , Canwest News Service
Published: Friday, September 12, 2008
LOURDES, France - Pope Benedict XVI urged France on Friday to move towards a model of secularism that acknowledges the "irreplaceable" role of religion in building an ethical consensus in one of the world's most secular societies.
Benedict, who is in Paris Friday and will arrive in Lourdes - site of a major shrine devoted to the Virgin Mary - on Saturday, stressed it is fundamental to recognize church-state separation to ensure both religious freedom and the responsibility of governments towards their citizens.
But he also seized on President Nicolas Sarkozy's unprecedented openness to a more assertive church, or "positive secularism" as Sarkozy calls it, in French society.
France established its model of secularism - called laicite - with a strict law imposed in 1905 that prohibited all state-sanctioned or state-funded religion.
"At this moment in history when cultures continue to cross paths more frequently, I am firmly convinced that a new reflection on the true meaning and importance of laicite is now necessary," Benedict said in a speech at the Elysee Palace after meeting with Sarkozy.
"In fact, it is fundamental to become more aware of the irreplaceable role of religion for the formation of consciences and the contribution which it can bring to - among other things - the creation of a basic ethical consensus within society."
Sarkozy, who spoke before the Pope, said it would be "madness" for France, which "accepts its Christian roots," to "deprive ourselves" of religion.
It is "legitimate for democracy and respectful of secularism to have a dialogue with religions," he said.
Analysts say French Catholics, with the lowest church attendance rate in Europe, feel threatened by the growing number of Muslim immigrants and might therefore be more open to greater recognition of the Catholic church's role in French culture and history.
Benedict, who is facing inevitable comparisons to his far more charismatic predecessor John Paul II, read his speech in fluent French while rarely moving his gaze from the text.
After his speech the twice-divorced Sarkozy, flanked by ex-supermodel wife Carla Bruni, introduced the Pope to key French political leaders in the audience.
Benedict appeared to make a veiled reference to the Russia-Georgia conflict, fear of a new Cold War, and Sarkozy's role, as the current president of the European Union, in convincing Russia to honour its withdrawal commitments.
"As we face the danger of a resurgence of old suspicions, tensions and conflicts among nations, which we are troubled to witness today, France, which historically has been sensitive to reconciliation between peoples, is called to help Europe build up peace within her borders and throughout the world."
He stressed his longstanding message since assuming the papacy in 2005 that France, like Europe, is rooted in Christianity.
Benedict also subtly restated the church's longstanding opposition to abortion and euthanasia when he spoke of the "inalienable" human rights of people "from conception to natural death."
© Canwest News Service 2008
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world ... 60df13cc29