---

Pope Benedict XVI yesterday appeared to join in the Republic’s controversial abortion debate when he expressed his “dismay” at the proposed introduction of abortion legislation “in various countries, even those of Christian tradition”.

The pontiff made his remarks during his annual keynote address to the Vatican’s diplomatic corps, in which he touched on many of the world’s most intractable problems.

Irish antennae will pay particular attention to his remarks on abortion:

“I must note with dismay that, in various countries, even those of Christian tradition, efforts are being made to introduce or expand legislation which decriminalizes abortion. Direct abortion, that is to say willed as an end or as a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law. In affirming this, the Catholic Church is not lacking in understanding and mercy, also towards the mother involved. Rather, it is a question of being vigilant lest the law unjustly alter the balance between the right to life of the mother and that of the unborn child, a right belonging equally to both.”

Vatican insiders suggested that any apparent reference to the Republic was intentional.

Source: PADDY AGNEW - Irish Times








Share on Facebook

[BACK TO TOP]


[BACK TO NEWS HEADLINES]