Pope Tells Italian Bishops to Step Up Efforts to Protect Life and Family

VATICAN, May 21, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In an address to the 53rd General Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference yesterday, Pope John Paul II called on the bishops to increase efforts to protect life and family.  “A decisive field, in which efforts must be multiplied, is the family, based on marriage, the protection and acceptance of life and the primary responsibility of parents in education,” he said.  Speaking to the heart of the abortion debate, the Pope called on the bishops to encourage openness to new life in married couples.  “I repeat in unison with you the words of this year’s theme for the World Day of Life: ‘There is no future without children!’ A common effort in social politics, the pastoral care of the Church and all those who can influence thought is necessary and urgent for Italy’s future so that young couples may discover the joy of having and educating children and thus participating in the work of the Creator.”  Referring to the media, John Paul II said, “We know well the penetrating influence that the media have on modern thought and personal and collective behavior, promoting a vision of life that unfortunately often corrodes fundamental ethical values, especially with regard to the family.” The media, he added, must contribute to “the affirmation of positive models of life and to spreading the Gospel.”