August 5, 2012 (Romereports.com) After the string of attacks against Christians in Nigeria, the population there has been gripped by fear.
 
The international alarm went off after terrorist attacks struck the country. Bombs were set off in churches and there was retaliation by Christians, to whom the pope has asked for calmness.


The Italian Foreign Ministry and the city of Rome, have created an Observatory for Religious Freedom to protect religious minorities throughout the world. They gathered at this meeting that called for an end to the attacks and was attended by Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

GIULIO TERZI
Minister of Foreign Affairs (Italy)
“We must remember the fundamental principle that explains Benedict XVI: Religious freedom is not exclusive to believers, but the entire family of people on Earth. It is an essential element in a state of law. It can not be omitted without affecting at the same time all rights and freedoms.”

It also emphasized the importance of international efforts to build unity, especially those promoted by young people.

The participants want Italy to play an important role in the situation by reaffirming the importance of religious freedom. They hope it will help to serve as an example for other countries.

GIANNI ALEMANNO
Mayor of Rome (Italy)
“Every time you put into question religious freedom, it's a sign that all the values and principles of the human beings are at stake.”

The violence against Nigerian Christians has mostly come at the hands of the terrorist group Boko Haram, which wants to place the country under Sharia law. Italy and the rest of the international community has been working in hopes of preventing this.


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