The so-called “Human Fraternity” document was held up as an example of “great historical significance” by Kazakhstan’s president at the start of the interfaith conference, and the final communique recognized its “importance and value” in calling for “peace, dialogue, mutual understanding and mutual respect among believers for the common good.”
Speaking to reporters at the cathedral, Schneider defended his occasional criticism of the pontiff as respectful, “fraternal” advice to the pope, borne out of love and providing “true help for the church.”
“This is normal because we (bishops) are not employees of the pope,” he said. “We are brothers. We have to say with respect when we recognize something is a danger for the entire church. This is a help.”
He welcomed the pope‘s visit to Kazakhstan, but he warned that Francis’ participation in such a big international interreligious event could call into question what he said was the Catholic Church’s unique role in providing the sole path to salvation.
“The congress as such has a good aim to promote mutual respect and understanding in the world today. But it has also a danger because it could give the impression of a ‘supermarket of religions’ and this is not correct because there is only one true religion, which is the Catholic Church, founded by God himself,” Schneider said.
He urged the Vatican to reconsider participation in such international events in the future and instead focus on building relationships at a more local level.
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This article originally appeared on APNews.com.
