Benedict XVI states that people should have the right to change their religion, practice false religions and that people should respect false religions

By Bro. Michael Dimond, O.S.B. Read more of Benedict XVI’s Recent Heresies

Benedict XVI, Discourse, January 18, 2008: “Moreover, I firmly hope that authentic religious freedom may be effective everywhere and that the right of each individual to practice his or her religion freely, or to change it, may not be hindered. This is a primordial right of every human being... with respect for those who do not share their own convictions.”[1]

Benedict XVI, Address to Ambassador of Kuwait, December 13, 2007: “... I think here with satisfaction of the increasing contacts between Muslims and Christians – is essential for overcoming misunderstandings and forging solid relations marked by mutual respect and co-operation in the pursuit of the common good of the whole human family. Children in particular need to be educated in the authentic values underlying their own culture and in a spirit of openness to other cultures, respect for others...

“... This fundamental right, [religious freedom] grounded in the inviolable dignity of the person, is fittingly considered the cornerstone of the whole edifice of human rights...

“... Kuwait’s Catholics have sought to contribute to the development of the larger society, not least through their educational institutions. These, though few in number, are fully committed to forming the minds and hearts of their students in an environment emphasizing sound spiritual values and inculcating respect for the dignity and beliefs of others.” [2]

First, Benedict XVI states that the “right” to have false beliefs should “be effective everywhere” and that the “right” to freely practice a false religion or change one’s religion “may not be hindered.” This is heresy. Second, he goes on to say that we must have respect for those who believe in false religions.

In the second speech, he states that Catholics have “respect” for those who believe in the false religion of Islam. He then says that children need to be educated in a spirit of respect for those who hold false beliefs. He then finishes off his heretical speech by stating that Kuwait’s Catholics respect the beliefs of others. To have respect for people who reject the true God and are the road to eternal damnation, and to respect “beliefs” which contradict the Catholic faith, is to be a heretic.

Pope Leo XIII, Custodi di Quella Fede (#15), Dec. 8, 1892: “Every familiarity should be avoided, not only with those impious libertines who openly promote the character of the sect, but also with those who hide under the mask of universal tolerance, respect for all religions...”

Pope Pius IX, Quanta Cura (#’s 3-6), Dec. 8, 1864, ex cathedra: “From which totally false idea of social government they do not fear to foster that erroneous opinion, most fatal in its effects on the Catholic Church and the salvation of souls, called by Our predecessor, Gregory XVI, an insanity, NAMELY, THAT ‘LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE AND WORSHIP IS EACH MAN’S PERSONAL RIGHT, WHICH OUGHT TO BE LEGALLY PROCLAIMED AND ASSERTED IN EVERY RIGHTLY CONSTITUTED SOCIETY; and that a right resides in the citizens to an absolute liberty, which should be restrained by no authority whether ecclesiastical or civil, WHEREBY THEY MAY BE ABLE OPENLY AND PUBLICLY TO MANIFEST AND DECLARE ANY OF THEIR IDEAS WHATEVER, EITHER BY WORD OF MOUTH, BY THE PRESS, OR IN ANY OTHER WAY.’ But while they rashly affirm this, they do not understand and note that they are preaching liberty of perdition… Therefore, BY OUR APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY, WE REPROBATE, PROSCRIBE, AND CONDEMN ALL THE SINGULAR AND EVIL OPINIONS AND DOCTRINES SPECIALLY MENTIONED IN THIS LETTER, AND WILL AND COMMAND THAT THEY BE THOROUGHLY HELD BY ALL THE SONS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AS REPROBATED, PROSCRIBED AND CONDEMNED.”

Benedict XVI’s Recent Heresies

The Heresies of Benedict XVI file

Notes:

[1] L’Osservatore Romano, January 30, 2008, pages 3.

[2] L’Osservatore Romano, January 30, 2008, pages 14.