POPE BENEDICT XVI expressed fears for the future of religion last night as his historic visit to Britain continued despite six arrests over an alleged plot against him.
On a day that saw him make first visits by a pontiff to Lambeth Palace and Westminster Abbey, the pontiff expressed concerns “at the increasing marginalistion of religion, particularly of Christianity” and pointed to “worrying signs” that believers’ rights to freedom of religion and of conscience were under threat.
Today he will say Mass before tens of thousands of people in Hyde Park in central London.
In a powerful address last night to leaders of British society at Westminster Abbey, where he took part in an ecumenical celebration, Pope Benedict said: “There are those who would advocate that the voice of religion be silenced, or at least relegated to the purely private sphere.
“There are those who argue that the public celebration of festivals such as Christmas should be discouraged, in the questionable belief that it might somehow offend those of other religions or none.
“And there are those who argue – paradoxically with the intention of eliminating discrimination – that Christians in public roles should be required at times to act against their conscience and freedom of religion.”
He also told his audience – who included former British prime ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, John Major and Margaret Thatcher – that moral failure was to blame for the global crisis.
As crowds of the faithful – and protesters – thronged the streets of Westminster, the pontiff called for a strong role for religion in politics. Religion, he argued, should be recognised for its “vital” contribution to the nation.
Earlier, at a meeting with Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the pope gave thanks for “the remarkable progress” made in ecumenical relations in recent decades. But he continued, “we recognise that the church is called to be inclusive, yet never at the expense of Christian truth”.
Later at Westminster Abbey, he acknowledged the progress made on the ecumenical journey but said, “We must also recognise the challenges which confront us, not only on the path to Christian unity, but also in our task of proclaiming Christ in our day.”
The pope began the day with a reference to the child abuse scandal, saying schools must provide a “safe environment” for children. Speaking to religious leaders in St Mary’s College Twickenham, he said: “I wish to add a particular word of appreciation for those whose task it is to ensure that our schools provide a safe environment for children and young people. Our responsibility towards those entrusted to us for their Christian formation demands nothing less.”
Last night the National Secular Society, which has strongly opposed the state visit and the pope’s handling of child sex abuse cases and his views on homosexuality and other issues, called on protesters to join a march taking place near Hyde Park this afternoon.
The call came as six north African men, five employed as London street-cleaners, were being questioned by police last night under anti-terrorism legislation, following a dawn raid by armed officers. So far, however, nothing has been found to show they were involved in any plot to harm the pope, though police acted on information received late on Thursday night.
Security remained tight for the visit, but no changes were made to the pope’s plans for his busy day of engagements.
British prime minister David Cameron missed yesterday’s events as he was attending his father’s funeral.