"It is clear that if relativism is considered an essential element of democracy, one risks viewing secularity solely in the sense of excluding or, more precisely, denying the social importance of religion." [Emphasis added.]
One would be justified to be astounded by the Pope's assertion. Since when did the Church consider [the Catholic] religion to be acceptable because of its social importance, as opposed to being that which saves mankind?
It is almost as if the Pope is saying that the smooth functioning of society requires religion. Such a thought is pure sociology and has little to do with how the Church has always seen itself as the guidepost leading people to Jesus and salvation, and to the worship of the Father.
On this occasion, as on many others, the Pope seems to be acting as a 'world leader' and not as the Chair of Peter who provides spiritual direction to the faithful. His statement appears to be one of begging the other world leaders to please, oh please, let there be a role for the Church in the new world order.
But one's role is one's own decision. The Church will carve out its place in the world by what it seeks to do. Being pleasing to the powers-that-be leads to one role, and leading the faithful to imitate the way of Christ leads to another role.
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And what is this about "if relativism is considered an essential element of democracy?" Is Benedict conceding that relativism is accepted? Benedict on numerous previous occasions has spoken against relativism. Here, though, he seems to be not contesting relativism, but only seeking a place for the Church in the relativistic world of today.
And once again these are not the words of some one leading the Church. They are the words of some one striving to be a world leader, or at least to be accepted by other world leaders.
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