Prodding UN on religious freedom, nuncio says religion is ‘vitamin of the poor,’ not ‘opiate of the people’

November 16, 2009

Archbishop Celestino Migliore, apostolic nuncio and permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, has reminded the UN that religion is a positive force in human society and urged member nations to promote religious freedom worldwide.

“The question of religion and the contribution of religions to peace and development have resurfaced in the United Nations in recent years because they have become urgent and inevitable in the opinion of the world,” he said as the General Assembly discussed the “culture of peace.” “A century and a half ago, at the beginning of the industrial revolution, religion was described as the ‘opium of the people,’ today, in the context of globalization, it is increasingly regarded as the ‘vitamin of the poor.’”

He continued:

The unique contribution of religions and the dialogue and cooperation among them lies in their raison d'être which is to serve the spiritual and transcendental dimension of human nature. They tend as well to raise the human spirit, protect life, empower the weak, translate ideals into action, purify institutions, contribute to resolving economic and non-economic inequalities, inspire their leaders to go beyond the normal call of duty, permit people to attain a fuller realization of their natural potential, and traverse situations of conflict through reconciliation, peace-building processes and the healing of memories scarred by injustice.

After discussing the Holy See’s track record in the area of interreligious dialogue, Archbishop Migliore pointedly reminded those assembled that it is far more important for the UN to promote religious freedom than to discuss the role of religion in international conflicts. “Having in mind the spirit and the word of the UN Charter as well as core juridical instruments,” he said, “it is safe to say that the United Nations' specific and primary responsibility vis-à-vis religion is to debate, elucidate and help States to fully ensure, at all levels, the implementation of the right to religious freedom as affirmed in the relevant UN documents which include full respect for and promotion not only of the fundamental freedom of conscience but also of the expression and practice of everybody's religion, without restriction.”

Archbishop Migliore made his remarks on November 10; the Holy See Press Office released them on November 13.

 

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Further information:

• Statement Of The Holy See At The 64th Session Of The UN General Assembly Before The Plenary On Item 49: Culture Of Peace (Holy See)
• 64th Session Agenda (United Nations General Assembly)