Pope Meets Pro-Vita
(12 May 08 -RV) Pope Benedict XVI today met with the Italian pro-life group, Pro-Vita.
Pope Benedict XVI received nearly 800 members of Italy’s Movement for Life on Monday in the Hall of Benedictions.
Noting that the group’s visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in Italy, Pope Benedict said it is more and more difficult to defend human life on a practical level, because the last 30 years have seen a progressive reduction in the of the value of human life, because of a growing mentality that entrusts it to the judgment of the individual.
The Pope said one effect of this is a reduced respect for the human person, a value he said, which is fundamental to every civil society, independent of the faith professed.
The Holy Father encouraged the group to continue and increase its efforts to secure legislation that recognises the dignity of the family founded on marriage and really supports those who are in need.
The Holy Father also recalled the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, of which he recently spoke at the Unied Nations in New York, saying, “Human rights, then, must be respected as an expression of justice, and not merely because they are enforceable through the will of the legislators, and that the promotion of human rights remains the most effective strategy for eliminating inequalities between countries and social groups, and for increasing security.
Recognizing that the causes, which bring people to painful decisions such as abortion are many and complex, Pope Benedict said the Church, faithful to the Lord’s commandment, never tires of repeating that the sacred value of every person’s existence is rooted in the design of the Creator, and also moves people to promote every initiative that helps women and families, in order to create conditions favourable to the welcoming of life.
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