Tony Blair: Religion is playing major role in world affairs

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says that religion is a key force in the 21st century that cannot be ignored.

He made the comments Friday while introducing the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, a group that will aim to educate people worldwide about religions other than their own. It also will organize churches to fight poverty and other social problems.

Blair stepped down as prime minister last year. He recently converted to Roman Catholicism and is serving as an envoy to the Middle East for the Western powers.