Pope calls on France to respect Muslim women

Pope Francis has called on France to respect Muslims in being free to profess their faith, just like the Christians, adding that co-existence between the two faiths could still be possible.

Pope Francis has called on France to respect Muslims in being free to profess their faith, just like the Christians, adding that co-existence between the two faiths could still be possible.

“If a Muslim woman wishes to wear a veil, she must be able to do so. Similarly, if a Catholic wishes to wear a cross,” Francis told the French Catholic newspaper La Croix.

When asked about the role religion ought to play in society and government, Francis strongly backed the separation of church and state, saying that states must be secular, although they also needed strong laws guaranteeing religious freedom and needed to ensure individuals, including government officials, had a right to conscientious objection.

He also expressed a “modest critique” of France, saying the country’s laws “exaggerate” the separation of church and state.

He added that the co-existence between Christians and Muslims was “still possible,” pointing to his native Argentina, pre-war Central Africa, and Lebanon as models.