Pope Benedict Warns Against Moral Relativism The new leader of the Roman Catholic Church has denounced moral relativism, the idea that moral principles have no objective standards. Pope Benedict XVI has characterized it as the major evil facing the church. Some observers believe he is taking a stance in the tense cultural wars in the United States.

New Pope Greets the World

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany is elected to succeed Pope John Paul II.

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Pope Benedict Warns Against Moral Relativism

April 25, 200512:00 AM ET

Heard on Morning Edition

Barbara Bradley Hagerty

Pope Benedict Warns Against Moral Relativism

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The new leader of the Roman Catholic Church has denounced moral relativism, the idea that moral principles have no objective standards. Pope Benedict XVI has characterized it as the major evil facing the church. Some observers believe he is taking a stance in the tense cultural wars in the United States.

Special Series

New Pope Greets the World

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany is elected to succeed Pope John Paul II.