By John-Henry Westen
VATICAN CITY, May 12, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Speaking to the Italian Movement for Life organization this morning, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the pro-life movement in their work. Thanking them for their service to “the Church and society”, the Holy Father said, “How many human lives have you saved from death! Continue along this path and do not be afraid, so that the smile of life may triumph on the lips of all children and their mothers”.
The Pope told the gathered pro-life activists that he recognized that “in practical terms, defending human life has become more difficult today, because a mentality has been created that progressively devalues human life and entrusts it to the judgment of individuals.” He added, “A consequence deriving therefrom is lessened respect for the human person, a value that lies at the foundation of any form of civil coexistence, over and above the faith a person may profess”.
“Respect for life is the first form of justice that must be applied,” he said. “For those who have the gift of faith this becomes an imperative that cannot be deferred.”
(with files from the Vatican Information Service)