In 1940, the British people fought not only to resist conquest but also to preserve their tolerant values. Today, this country permits and even celebrates many things of which the Catholic Church disapproves. But it should be stressed that this Pope, perhaps more than any other, is an admirer of British democracy. As a devotee of Cardinal Newman who speaks our language fluently, he appreciates our tradition of civilised discourse with people whose views we do not share.
In recent months, that tradition has been threatened by the anti-religious rhetoric of “defenders of the Enlightenment”, who display an intellectual intolerance almost worthy of the Inquisition. That is a shame. By all means, let critics challenge the Pope’s teachings while he is here. But this four-day visit is not an invitation to drown out the voice of the leader of a billion Christians with sneering and mockery. Visitors to these shores as well as British citizens have the right of free speech. Our distinguished guest must be allowed to exercise it.
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Telegraph Leader–Papal visit: A chance to show tolerance
In 1940, the British people fought not only to resist conquest but also to preserve their tolerant values. Today, this country permits and even celebrates many things of which the Catholic Church disapproves. But it should be stressed that this Pope, perhaps more than any other, is an admirer of British democracy. As a devotee of Cardinal Newman who speaks our language fluently, he appreciates our tradition of civilised discourse with people whose views we do not share.
In recent months, that tradition has been threatened by the anti-religious rhetoric of “defenders of the Enlightenment”, who display an intellectual intolerance almost worthy of the Inquisition. That is a shame. By all means, let critics challenge the Pope’s teachings while he is here. But this four-day visit is not an invitation to drown out the voice of the leader of a billion Christians with sneering and mockery. Visitors to these shores as well as British citizens have the right of free speech. Our distinguished guest must be allowed to exercise it.
Read it all.