Pope Benedict says legalized abortion has failed to solve problems

(May 12, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday condemned legalized abortion saying the practice has not only failed to solve problems afflicting many women and families but has also opened a wound in our societies that are already burdened with profound suffering. The Pope’s remarks came in an address to Italy’s pro life moment that was born 30 years ago when Italy passed its law legalizing abortion. Looking back at the past 3 decades and the situation today, the Pope said, the task of defending life has practically become more difficult in Italy, because of a mentality of growing disregard for the value life, that is left to the decision of the individual. This has resulted in a lower respect for the human person, a value that is at the foundation of every civil coexistence, apart from the faith that one professes. The Catholic Church teaches that abortion, which is the deliberate killing of an unborn child, is a grave sin of murder. Pope Benedict lamented that the many problems that afflict today’s societies, such as unemployment, lack of protection to motherhood and inability to bring up children adequately, seem to suffocate the need for fruitful love and create a sense of hopelessness. Pope Benedict called on all to unite efforts to defend human life and give priority to the family where life starts and develops. For Christians, the Pope said it is urgent and indispensable to protect and defend life in all its phases with courage and love.