Pope Benedict XVI on June 1 received the credentials of Ambassador Ayesha Riyaz, as ambassador of Pakistan to the Holy See. In his acceptance speech, the pope said: A robust democratic society depends on its ability to uphold and protect religious freedom—a basic right inherent in the very dignity of the human person. It is therefore essential to safeguard citizens who belong to religious minorities from acts of violence. Riyaz has served since November 2006 as Pakistani ambassador to Switzerland, where she resides.(Holy See´s bulletin)