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Pope In France Calls for New Reflection On Laicite

By Howard M. Friedman

Pope Benedict XVI arrived today for a four-day visit to France. The New York Times and Catholic News Service report on the Pope's message (full text) at the Elysee Palace official welcoming ceremony. Focusing on France's tradition of secularism (laïcité), the Pope said:

Many people, here in France as elsewhere, have reflected on the relations between Church and State. Indeed, Christ had already offered the basic criterion upon which a just solution to the problem of relations between the political sphere and the religious sphere could be found. He does this when, in answer to a question, he said: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar?s, and to God the things that are God?s" (Mk 12:17).

The Church in France currently benefits from a "regime of freedom". Past suspicion has been gradually transformed into a serene and positive dialogue that continues to grow stronger.... You yourself, Mr President, have used the expression "laïcité positive" to characterize this more open understanding.

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 laïcité is now necessary. In fact, it is fundamental, on the one hand, to insist on the distinction between the political realm and that of religion in order to preserve both the religious freedom of citizens and the responsibility of the State towards them; and, on the other hand, 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.

The Pope's visit is timed to mark the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Mary to a 14-year old peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in Lourdes. Later today, before traveling to Lourdes, Benedict XVI will speak to some 700 leading intellectuals at the College des Bernardins in Paris. America-- the National Catholic Weekly earlier this week predicted that this would be "one of the great speeches of his pontificate."

Full post as published by Religion Clause on September 12, 2008 (boomark / email).