CARDINAL: CHRISTIANS SHOULDN’T BE 2ND CLASS CITIZENS
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran Is In Charge Of The Vatican’s Interfaith Outreach Efforts
https://www.trunews.com/stream/cardinal-christians-shouldnt-be-2nd-class-citizens
During a historic visit to Saudi Arabia last week, where non-Muslim worship is still banned, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran told the kingdom’s authorities that Christians cannot be considered second-class citizens. The cardinal, who serves as president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, expressed his hope that Saudi Arabia would embrace more religious liberty during his meetings, which included an audience with King Salman. He also signed a cooperation agreement with the kingdom, which he said was a sign of “the possibility of discussion, and therefore of changing of the country’s image.”
Upon his return from Riyadh, he told Vatican Radio: “I think all religions are faced with two dangers: terrorism and ignorance. During my meetings, I insisted very much on this point, that Christians and non-Muslims are spoken of well in schools and that they are never considered second-class citizens.” At the behest of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is undergoing major changes relating to moderation of its adherence to Islam. The kingdom has already scaled back social restrictions, including the role of its “religious police.” The crown prince has also met with a number of other Christian leaders, including Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in London, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi in Lebanon, and Coptic Pope Tawadros II in Cairo.