VATICAN CITY (UCAN) -- Pope Benedict XVI has urged the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan "to uphold and protect religious freedom" and "to safeguard citizens who belong to religious minorities from acts of violence."

The pope issued this call on June 1 while welcoming Ayesha Riyaz, Pakistan's new ambassador to the Holy See, as she presented her credentials.

"During an era in which threats against religious freedom are becoming more ominous throughout the world," the 80-year-old pontiff told the 49-year-old ambassador, "I encourage Pakistan to bolster its efforts in securing freedom for people to live, worship and perform works of charity according to the dictates of their conscience and with immunity from intimidation."

Pakistan, where Christians account for a little more than 2 percent of the population, has 1.3 million Catholics. The United Nations Population Fund says Pakistan has an estimated 157 million people, making it the world's sixth most populous country, but other sources say the actual population might be greater.

In recent years, Pakistan's Christians have come under increasing pressure due to the country's blasphemy laws, which the Church wants repealed. Their difficult situation reportedly has worsened with the United States-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Pope John Paul II raised this concern with President Pervez Musharaff when they met in September 2004.

When Pakistan's new ambassador addressed Pope Benedict, she reiterated her government's "endeavors to ensure that all minorities enjoy full rights and protection as equal citizens of Pakistan, as enshrined in our Constitution."

"We deeply deplore all terrorist acts on all religious minorities, their places of worship, and their property," she told the leader of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics. "These acts of violence and vandalism are aimed at creating destabilization within the country, and contradict Islam and its eternal message of universal brotherhood, peace and tolerance."

The pope normally uses the occasion of welcoming new ambassadors to the Vatican to convey commendations and concerns to the governments in question. His first meeting with the Cambridge-educated ambassador, who is also her country's representative to Switzerland, was no exception.

Pope Benedict said he appreciates "Pakistan's commitment to work together with the international community to bring greater stability to (the) region and to protect innocent lives from the threats of terrorism and violence."

He also acknowledged that "the road to national and international security is long and difficult ... it takes great patience and resolve," and encouraged all efforts that seek "to keep open the path to peace, stability and hope."

He then commended Pakistan's "recent electoral reform, aimed at facilitating the full participation of all citizens, including those belonging to minority groups," and welcomed "recent legislative decisions in Pakistan aimed at eliminating unjust forms of prejudice and discrimination against women."

The theologian-pope noted with favor that Pakistan "has always placed a high value on education," and emphasized the importance of "good schooling" in helping young people "recognize the dignity common to all men and women, including those belonging to cultures and religions different from their own." He also pointed out that good education helps mature the civil life of the nation and fosters "tolerance and mutual respect" among all its citizens.

"A robust democratic society depends on its ability to uphold and protect religious freedom," he further asserted. "It is therefore essential to safeguard citizens who belong to religious minorities from acts of violence."

Related to democracy in this Islamic republic, the pope recognized that "the people of Pakistan" are familiar with and have suffered from the "violence and lawlessness which ... lead to destabilization." While "the principles of democracy assure the freedom to express political opinions publicly in a variety of ways," he insisted that "this right should always be exercised responsibly so that civil order is maintained and social harmony is fostered."

Pope Benedict also said he knows that Pakistan's government "is aware" it must address "the roots of political unrest and agitation" with the country's borders, and strengthen "ways of sustaining civic and democratic institutions." He encouraged this effort as "the way" to enhance "national solidarity" and to foster "peaceful ways of reconciling differences."

Ambassador Riyaz said Pakistan appreciates the pope's efforts for "intercultural and interreligious dialogue." She emphasized the importance of "such dialogue ... since Christianity and Islam are the two major monotheistic religions, and collectively count for over half of the world's population."

"The world looks to Your Holiness for moral and spiritual guidance in these troubled times, to foster peace and justice in the world, and to secure a better future for mankind," she said. In reply, Pope Benedict assured her that the Holy See and Pakistan share the "common goal of fostering peace and justice in the world, to secure a better future for mankind."

The ambassador also conveyed greetings from President Pervez Musharraf, the government and people of Pakistan. The pope reciprocated and expressed confidence that the more than 50-year-long diplomatic relationship between the Holy See and Pakistan "will continue to promote the fundamental values which serve to uphold the inherent dignity of the human person."

He also asked her to convey his greetings to Pakistan's Catholics, "and to assure them of my fervent prayers for their well-being." He said they will "continue to play an important role in providing education, health care, and other charitable services to all (Pakistan) citizens, regardless of religious affiliation." He then concluded the exchange by invoking God's blessings on the new ambassador and all citizens of Pakistan.

END