Vatican warns of rising Christianophobia in the West
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu stated about systemic discrimination against Christian symbols in Europe amid demonstrative tolerance towards other religions.
Archbishop Nwachukwu expressed serious concern about the growing hostility toward Christians both in the Islamic world and in the "post-Christian" culture of the West. According to Nwachukwu, a paradoxical situation has developed in Europe where society fiercely condemns Islamophobia but completely ignores manifestations of Christianophobia.
The curial prelate pointed to obvious double standards regarding religious symbols. "You enter a hall and see a symbol of Buddhism – no one touches it. You see a Muslim woman in a hijab – no one demands she remove it. But as soon as you see a cross, they say: 'Remove it.' Why?" the archbishop asks.
In Nwachukwu's opinion, Western civilization has begun to experience cultural shame about its roots. "It's like feeling guilty for having an 'ugly mother' and subsequently forgetting that she also has rights. Christianity gave them education, culture, and society, and now they feel uncomfortable around it."
Separately, the Vatican representative addressed the situation in Muslim countries where Christians are still deprived of full freedom of religion. He called on Islamic leaders to openly condemn violence against Christians and the use of religion for destructive purposes. The archbishop recalled his own experience of service in Algeria, where he was called an "enemy of Islam."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that UEFA fined a French club for a banner with a Roman Catholic Church saint.
