Pope’s words of praise for pro-life activists
POPE Francis praised pro-life activists as “Good Samaritans” to the most vulnerable, citing their commitment to defending life at all stages and their role in affirming the dignity of women.
Meeting with members of Italy’s pro-life movement on November 6, the Pope called on those present “to protect the most vulnerable people, who have the right to be born into life, as well as those who ask for a healthier and more dignified existence”, according to the Vatican Information Service translation.
“There is a need to work at different levels and with perseverance, in the promotion and defence of the family, society’s foremost resource, especially with reference to the gift of children and the affirmation of the dignity of the woman,” he said.
The Pontiff’s remarks came during a private audience with the 510 pro-life activists who were taking part in the Congress of the Movement for Life held in Sacrofano, Italy.
Pope Francis praised pro-life activists as “Good Samaritans” to the most vulnerable. PHOTO: ONLINEItaly’s pro-life movement has gained rapid momentum in recent years, although abortion has been legal in the Mediterranean nation since 1978. More recently, Italy has been confronted with efforts to enact legislation that would allow for euthanasia, beginning with the 2009 killing of young Eluana Englaro.
Citing his encyclical Laudato Si, the Pope asked: “How can we genuinely teach the importance of concern for other vulnerable beings, however troublesome or inconvenient they may be, if we fail to protect a human embryo?”
He stressed the importance of recognising human life as a gift to be defended, lauding the pro-life workers present at the audience for following the example of the “Good Samaritan” in their efforts to defend the lives and dignity of the most vulnerable.
“Faced with the suffering and needs of our defenceless brothers, some turn away or move on, whereas others stop and respond with generous dedication to their cry for help,” he said.
“Before the various forms of threats to human life, you have approached the frailty of others, you have taken action so that in society those who live in precarious conditions may no longer be excluded or marginalised.”
– Catholic News Agency