Protecting holy places

Not a few of these places have suffered serious loss and damage owing to the upheaval and devastation of the war. Since they are religious memorials of such moment -- objects of veneration to the whole world and an incentive and support to Christian piety -- these places should also be suitably protected by definite statute guaranteed by an "international" agreement_.To bring about this happy result, it will be necessary, or course, to make such arrangements as will allow pilgrims to approach freely those sacred edifices; enabling each to profess his devotion openly and without hindrance, and to remain there free from fear and danger. It must also be considered objectionable that pilgrims should see these places profaned by sinful and worldly entertainments, which are assuredly an offense to the Divine Redeemer and to the Christian conscience. (Papal Encyclical, Redemptoris Nostri Cruciatus, 15 April 1949).