Pope Benedict XVI has convened a meeting later this month of the world’s Cardinals which will discuss religious 
freedom around the world among other topics.
The morning session will begin with discussion of the situation of religious freedom in the world and the new challenges being faced, with an introductory talk by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state. Recent problems faced by Christian minorities were a major topic at the special Synod of Bishops for the Middle East.
The Synod urged Middle Eastern government to permit Christians to “enjoy all the rights of citizenship, freedom of conscience and religion, freedom in teaching and education and use of the media,” because “they are original and authentic citizens, loyal to their homeland and faithful to all their national obligations.”
In a recent statement, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi said that religious freedom was a major issue. “We condemn violence and terrorism, of whatever origin, and any religious extremism,” he said. “We condemn all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianity, and Islamophobia, and call on religions to assume their responsibility in promoting dialogue among cultures and civilizations in our region and throughout the world.”
Pope Benedict has frequently referred in his speeches to the growing challenge to religious freedom in the West that is being caused by a morally relativistic understanding of equality and non-discrimination.
The “day of reflection and prayer” will take place at the Vatican’s synod hall November 19, the day before the pope presides over a consistory to create 24 new cardinals, a Vatican statement said.