Pope Relates British Riots to "Moral Relativism;" Urges Govt. Policies Based on "Enduring Values"

The Huffington Post website reports today (September 10, 2011) that Pope Benedict XVI has linked last month's riots in England to the corrosive effects of "moral relativism," and warned that preserving social order requires government policies based on "enduring values."

Benedict made the remarks yesterday (September 9) to Britain's new Vatican ambassador, Nigel Baker, at a meeting in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome.

The moral basis of government policies is "especially important in the light of events in England this summer," Benedict said in reference to the riots in England, which left five people dead and caused over $320 million in property damage.

The Pope called on government leaders to foster the "essential values of a healthy society, through the defense of life and of the family, the sound moral education of the young, and a fraternal regard for the poor and the weak."