PINELLAS PARK, FL, March 30, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Beyond the support from mega-star Mel Gibson (see LifeSiteNews.com coverage) and unprecedented interventions by Vatican Cardinals, other prominent persons have taken up Terri’s cause.
While not commenting verbally, Pope John Paul II entered into Terri Schiavo’s former condition of receiving nutrition via feeding tube. A Vatican press release today noted, “In order to improve the caloric intake and to favor a valid recuperation of strength, enteral nutrition has been started by placing a nasal-gastric probe (tube).”
First lady Laura Bush commented on the case Tuesday saying, “It is a life issue that really does require government to be involved.”
In Italy, Prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, speaking about on Radio Anchaio radio program said: “It is a problem that concerns everybody’s conscience, I’m Catholic and I think that only God can take life”.
Everybody Loves Raymond star Patricia Heaton said of Terri, “We must not let Terri Schiavo be starved to death.” The two-time Emmy winner and New York Times best-selling author added, “This deliberate and painful destruction of a woman’s life cannot be justified or tolerated. Terri deserves better.” She called the death Terri will suffer “a slow starvation that is cruel and painful.”
Jessie Jackson, has also weighed in on Terri’s behalf, calling the case “one of the most profound moral and ethical issues of our time.” Jackson appealed to legislators to save Terri’s life. “Unless we are anxious for her to die, we must not be this callous about human life,” Jackson said.