Greeting new British ambassador, Pope links riots to 'moral relativism'
September 09, 2011
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Welcoming a new British ambassador to the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI said the Holy See and the British government share a commitment to worldwide development, “with a special care for the needy and those whose natural rights are denied.”
The Pope told the new envoy, Nigel Marcus Baker, that government policies should be based of something more than “moral relativism” which ultimately leads to “frustration, despair, selfishness, and a disregard for the life and liberty of others.” He said the need for moral guidance is clear “in light of events in England this summer”—an obvious reference to a frightening rash of urban rioting.
The Pontiff recalled that his trip to Britain for the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, and said that a new examination of the works of Cardinal Newman could “bear new fruit among those searching for solutions to the political, economic and social questions of our age.”
Pope Benedict also mentioned the trip by Queen Elizabeth to Ireland, lauding it as “an important milestone in the process of reconciliation,” and expressing his hope that the peace in Northern Ireland would be solidified.
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