I've been around a long time and have seen many changes
in the world and in the Church.
Like many of you, I've witnessed the establishment
of religious freedom in nations of the world.
It's been a wonderful thing to see.
But these essential freedoms of conscience,
embedded in religious liberty, must be diligently
preserved and protected.
In many countries, including the United States,
religious freedom is slowly and dangerously eroding.
I've seen this erosion in matters
of individual conscience, expression,
and self-determination.
But this is not a concern for religious people only.
For many reasons, all citizens benefit
from a robust and vigorous religious freedom.
But we must also remember that religious freedom
has obligations.
Besides protecting our own rights,
we must protect the rights of others,
including the most vulnerable and the least popular.
We must show mutual respect for others and treat all civilly.
No one should be belittled for following
their moral conscience.
I look back with gratitude for the freedoms
I've enjoyed in my lifetime.
And I want my grandchildren and their children
to enjoy them too.
I invite you to read carefully the information the Church has
produced on religious freedom and to find ways
in your communities to help keep vibrant
a God-given gifts of conscience and religious beliefs.