VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI says Roman Catholics in the US need to understand the "grave threats" to their faith posed by radical secularism in the political and cultural arenas.

He addressed visiting US bishops yesterday and warned that attempts are being made to erode their religious freedom.

Benedict did not explicitly mention it, but the bishops have complained their religious freedom is eroding in the face of growing acceptance of gay marriage and attempts to marginalise faith.

The pope said many bishops believe that new laws make it difficult for them to object to what they consider "intrinsically evil practices."

The bishops have complained about President Barack Obama's health care overhaul having private insurers pay for contraception, saying the religious exception for Catholics opposed to birth control is too narrow.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Pope-hits-out-at-US-radical-secularism_10595009#ixzz1k0qHj0vH