Dominican Leader Reaffirms Commitment to Life

(May 22, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI received in audience Friday, 21^st of May the president of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Antonio Fernández Reyna. Highlighted during this visit was the importance of continuing to promote human life, the Church's contribution to the country's development, the authorities' commitment to address the country's social problems and the country's contribution to the organization of humanitarian aid in Haiti. The talks took place "in a climate of cordiality," stated a communiqué of the Vatican press office. "The importance was stressed of continuing to promote human life, from conception until natural death," it continued. In this connection, despite the threats to the inviolability of life, last September the country's Assembly reiterated its opposition to abortion, stating the principle that "the right to life is inviolable from conception until death." the great contribution that the Church offers to the country's development, especially in the fields of education and health, where it pays special attention to the neediest was greatly appreciated. They also exchanged views on the commitment of the Dominican authorities to address the social problems that afflict their country, such as corruption, violence, drugs and poverty, and the need for the authorities to intervene in a more active way. Finally, the talks also focused on the international and regional situation especially the role of the Dominican Republic in the organization of humanitarian aid in Haiti." The Dominican president had talks with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican secretary for relations with states.