Pope remarks needn146;t worry India: Envoy

Reacting to the Pope8217;s statement, an MEA spokesperson said on Friday: 8216;8216;It is acknowledged universally that India is a secular and democratic country in which adherents of all religious faiths enjoy equal rights. The Constitution states that all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion.8217;8217;

Said Tripathi: 8216;8216;The observations the Pope made are reflective of his personal perception. We are a sovereign nation ruled by our own set of rules.8217;8217; Tripathi quoted the Pope as saying that Indians are 8216;8216;rightly proud of the stability of their political institutions8217;8217; and that he recognised the 8216;8216;formidable challenges involved in promoting justice, combating all forms of violence and extremism, and establishing a climate of serene and respectful dialogue, cooperation and goodwill between the different components of their vast and diverse society.8217;8217;

However, the Vatican had a reminder. While welcoming Tripathi on a goodwill visit to Vatican Radio on Friday, Fr Alifie Ben, director of the Indian Desk for South Asia, said: 8216;8216;In recent times, not very heartening events have been taking place in India, that are bent on tearing apart the beautifully woven multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic fabric of India.8217;8217;

Vatican Radio reported that Tripathi assured the Vatican that India was very appreciative of the tremendous service the Catholic church had done in the country and urged it not to be very apprehensive about incidents against Christians.