Pope tells European bishops to defend family, life

(October 1, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI has urged the bishops of Europe to work for the defence of the family and human life, and to combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians. The Pope sent a message through Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, to the Council of European Bishops' Conferences that began its plenary assembly on Thursday in Zagreb, Croatia. The assembly that will conclude on Sunday has as its theme, "Demographics and the Family in Europe." In the message the Pontiff encouraged the prelates "to continue the important work undertaken and inspire in the Church communities the necessary commitment so that the faithful might be free from intolerance and discrimination and promote the family and the defence of human life." He assured the participants of his prayers "so that the providential meeting may contribute to strengthening the bonds of unity and communion between the European bishops giving a further courageous thrust to the new evangelization of the continent."