Hillary Clinton in Catholic News Service

On Foreign Policy: All countries should recognize non-state-run religions

"Like all human beings and all human rights, they are our birthright by the mere fact of us being who we are--thinking, acting human beings--men and women alike. They are not granted to us by any government. Rather, it is the responsibility of government to protect them."

Clinton went on to identify two types of religious persecution she said is pervasive in intolerant countries. The first, secular government's refusal to recognize non-state-run religions, is epitomized by China appointing its own Catholic bishops and refusing to recognize bishops appointed by the Vatican. The second is a government's refusal to defuse religious tensions within its own borders, such as in Burma.

On Foreign Policy: Egypt's Muslim government should recognize Coptic Christians

Clinton called that rationale the "tyranny of the majority" and explained the necessity of human rights protections in constitutions. Democracy, she explained, cannot exist without religious freedom. "Genuine democracies use principles to guide power and to protect the rights of citizens equally," said Clinton.

One area struggling with the question of democracy is Egypt and its new Muslim Brotherhood-run government. Coptic Christians, which make up 10 percent of the nation's population, fear implementation of Shariah, or Islamic law. Clinton, who had recently visited Egypt, said President Mohammed Morsi has promised to place women and Christians in high-ranking government positions.

On War & Peace: Founded Mother Teresa Home for Infant Children in DC

Clinton spoke at length about her relationship with Mother Teresa, describing getting a firm directive from the nun to work on the home for babies. Clinton described the giddiness with which Mother Teresa led her by the arm to tour the completed home "looking at the bassinets and the pretty painted colors on the wall, and just beaming about what this meant for children and their futures."