Pope Advocates for “Healthy Secularism” in European Institutions
In a significant address to the European Parliament’s Working Group on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, Pope Leo XIV has urged the adoption of what he terms “healthy secularism” within European institutions. The Pope emphasized the role of religion in both personal and societal contexts while maintaining its distinction from political affairs.
Pope Leo XIV shared his thoughts with the group on Monday, highlighting the importance of promoting dialogue between different cultures and religions. “Promoting dialogue between cultures and religions is a key objective for a Christian politician, and thanks be to God there is no shortage of people who have given good witness in this regard,” he remarked, according to Vatican News.
The Pope underscored the need to focus on human dignity and the communal nature of human beings in interfaith discussions. He pointed out that religion, by its very nature, is fundamentally connected to humanity and should be recognized as such in social spheres.
Calling for people in European institutions to embrace “healthy secularism,” Pope Leo XIV elaborated on the concept as a way of recognizing the value of religion without conflating it with political spheres. He cited the life of Alcide De Gasperi, a former Italian prime minister and Christian Democratic Party leader, as an exemplar of this approach.
Pope Leo XIV’s advocacy for “healthy secularism” echoes sentiments previously expressed by the late Pope Benedict XVI. In a 2006 speech to the Union of Italian Catholic Jurists, Benedict XVI described “healthy secularity” as acknowledging the integral role of religion and the Church in public life, while respecting the autonomy of secular affairs.
Benedict XVI further clarified that the state should not view religion as merely a private matter. Instead, since religion includes organized structures like the Church, it should be acknowledged as part of the public community, deserving of the freedom to practice and express its beliefs.
Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, assumed the papacy in May, marking a historical moment as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
