The Archbishop of Armagh, Mgr Sean Brady, yesterday in Rome suggested genuine religious tolerance could make a major contribution to the Northern peace process.
Speaking on the eve of the traditionally divisive marching season Archbishop Brady said: "Respect for freedom is built on an awareness of the essential dignity of every human being, created by God, equal to each other as children of the one Father, filled with the Holy Spirit and bearing the image of God's only son.
"The acceptance of that authentic concept of religious freedom by more and more people would contribute immensely to the resolution of the Troubles in our country."
Archbishop Brady's remarks were made in a homily delivered during the rededication of the Chapel of St Columbanus in the crypt of the Basilica of St Peter's. St Columbanus, the sixth-century Irish missionary, established monastic communities in Annegray, Luxeuil and Fontaine in France as well as in Bobbio, northern Italy.
Yesterday's rededication service was timed to coincide with the current ad limina (to the threshold) visit by the Irish Hierarchy to the Pope and the Holy See.
The visit, which affords the bishops the opportunity to report on their pastoral mission, culminates with a meeting between the Pope and bishops on Saturday morning.
Among those attending were the Irish Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr Eamonn O Tuathail, the Irish Ambassador to Italy, Mr Joe Small, the Irish Ambassador to Finland, Mr Gearoid O'Broin, and the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbanus, Mr Eamonn Fleming.