The Vatican cemented a diplomatic relationship with Malaysia, as Christians within the majority Muslim country call for governmental reform and for recognition, reports the Catholic News Agency. On July 18, Pope Benedict met with Prime Minister Najib Razak in the second-ever meeting between a Pope and a Malaysian head of state. At Pope Benedict's summer residence in Castel Gandalfo, the two discussed the political and social climate in Asia and the importance of promoting inter-religious dialogue. They also reached an agreement on establishing a formal relationship between the Vatican and Malaysia. Father Lawrence Andrew, SJ, editor of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur's Herald Weekly, said that the establishment of ties could have a positive impact, reports Fides. "Having a stable, Apostolic Nuncio in Kuala Lumpur, could have many positive effects on the Church and the entire Christian community in Malaysia," he said. "Communications between the Government and the Church will improve. Furthermore, it is for us Christians an opportunity to visibly become a big 'moral bank', that is to say a point of reference for morality, for the diffusion and protection of values, to fight corruption, abuse and other evil things that plague our national life." Meanwhile, a group of 365 Catholics and other Christians in Malaysia, including priests and religious, signed a joint letter to the Pope expressing their concern over Mr Najib's visit, reports ALIRAN. The letter highlighted concerns about the lack of democratic rights and religious freedom in Malaysia, to enable the Pope to “understand more critically and comprehensively the political and social realities” lest the pontiff is “presented with a one-sided view of developments” in the country. ALIRAN also published an open letter to the Pope from Malaysian Catholic activist Martin Jalleh - in which he outlines the situation facing Catholics and others under Mr Najib's and his political party's administration. "Truth be told, inter-religious harmony is a myth in this country," Mr Jalleh writes. "Sincere attempts at inter-religious dialogue with Muslims and earnest intellectual discussions and discourses have often been derailed by a mob adept only at displaying their ignorance and irrational arguments to justify their intimidating behaviour. "After being PM for almost three years, Najib has failed to fight the fires of racial and religious fanaticism, aggressively fanned by his own party. "I pray, Holy Father, that you will not allow our Prime Minister to politicise the papacy and use the visit as a political ploy and a public relations exercise with his predictable “moderate” proclamations, pious pronouncements and pretentious promises." FULL STORYVatican seals diplomatic ties with Malaysia (Catholic News Agency) ASIA/MALAYSIA - Diplomatic relations with the Holy See get closer and closer: religious freedom and more rights for Christians (Fides) Najib visits Vatican; Malaysians write to Pope (ALIRAN) An open letter to Pope Benedict XVI (ALIRAN) PHOTO CREDIT Screenshot from the Rome Reports video, Malaysia establishes diplomatic relations with the Vatican
