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Tagle issued this statement while he is in Geneva for the United Nations Conference on Migrants and Refugees, sponsored by the Vatican.
The cardinal said he wrote his statement upon the request of Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Manila. "I admit that I do not have a complete picture of the context, but I would like to share some random thoughts with you," he said.
Tagle urged his flock: "Be at peace. Be calm. Don't let things disturb your inner peace. Let us read the situation with the eyes of faith."
Tagle also cited the Second Vatican Council or Vatican II, a gathering of bishops from 1962 to 1965 that reformed the Catholic Church and clarified its role in the modern world.
"Vatican II stressed that we Catholics should respect non-Catholics and their religions. We also respect those who do not believe in God. All people should strive to respect those who differ from their beliefs. Religions are not to be used for conflicts but for mutual understanding and peace," he said.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday, June 28, said Malacañang welcomes "the statement of Cardinal Tagle urging Catholics to respect the views of other religions, including atheists."
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