Pope in defense of life in Latin America

The pope arrived in Brazil yesterday for a conferance of Bishops of Latin America and the Caribean. Different comments are being reported already about the abortion battle that has intensified in recent months.

Here are few comments about questions asked in flight by journalists:

Going on to consider the proliferation of religious sects in Latin America, the Holy Father said "they are a sign that people thirst for God. The Church must respond to this need with a highly concrete plan and in the awareness that, apart from announcing the Christian message, it is important to help people achieve just living conditions."
Replying to a question concerning the Mexican parliament, which has just approved a law in favor of abortion, the Pope highlighted "the need for Christian politicians to remain coherent to their principles." The Church, he said, "announces the Gospel of life; life is a gift and not a threat."
For his part, Holy See Press office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. made it clear that "the Mexican bishops have not excommunicated those politicians, and neither has Benedict XVI." However, he added, "legislation in favor of abortion is not compatible with participation in the Eucharist." Upon being asked whether this meant that the politicians were effectively excommunicated, Fr. Lombardi said "no, they exclude themselves from communion."
In his replies to journalists, Benedict XVI had declared that "such excommunication is laid down in the Code, it is not arbitrary, it is simply written in the Code of Canon Law. The death of an innocent, of an unborn child, is inconceivable. It is not arbitrary, and the Church express appreciation for life and for the individuality of life from the first moment of conception."

His declaration on excommunication of pro-abortion politician were later clarified by the Vatican to prevent people from assuming a wrong message.
From a different article, we read:

The fact that Catholics represent a majority in Brazil, he went on, "means that
they must make a particular contribution to the common good of the nation. The
word solidarity will acquire its full meaning when the living forces of society,
each in its own sphere, commit themselves seriously to building a future of
peace and hope for all."
"I am well aware that the soul of this people, as
of all Latin America, safeguards values that are radically Christian, which will
never be eradicated. I am certain that at Aparecida, during the bishops' general
conference, this identity will be reinforced through the promotion of respect
for life from the moment of conception until natural death as an integral
requirement of human nature. It will also make the promotion of the human person
the axis of solidarity, especially towards the poor and abandoned.
"The
Church," he added, "seeks only to stress the moral values present in each
situation and to form the conscience of citizens so that they may make informed
and free decisions. She will not fail to insist on the need to take action to
ensure that the family, the basic cell of society, is strengthened, and likewise
young people, whose formation is a decisive factor for the future of any nation.
Last but not least, she will defend and promote the values present at every
level of society, especially among indigenous peoples."

What does the Church means by the Gospel of Life? Jean Paul the Great left a wonderful document which should not only convince your mind, but your heart as well. The document has the same name: Gospel of Life. Click on the link in the side bar in 'Must Read' documents.

I should conclude by noting that the Pope meet a support of Brazilian president who will not support legalized abortion.