Posted on 11/26/2013 11:32:53 AM PST by Morgana
Today, the Vatican released the text of Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), an Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis that specifically addresses pro-life and pro-family issues.
The text of the message makes it clear that the Catholic Church cannot and will not compromise on its pro-life teachings on abortion.
214. Precisely because this involves the internal consistency of our message about the value of the human person, the Church cannot be expected to change her position on this question. I want to be completely honest in this regard. This is not something subject to alleged reforms or modernizations. It is not progressive to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life. On the other hand, it is also true that we have done little to adequately accompany women in very difficult situations, where abortion appears as a quick solution to their profound anguish, especially when the life developing within them is the result of rape or a situation of extreme poverty. Who can remain unmoved before such painful situations?
Continuing that pro-woman theme, Pope Francis says the Catholic Church must do more to help women in various pregnancy situations and following an abortion.
213. Among the vulnerable for whom the Church wishes to care with particular love and concern are unborn children, the most defenceless and innocent among us. Nowadays efforts are made to deny them their human dignity and to do with them whatever one pleases, taking their lives and passing laws preventing anyone from standing in the way of this. Frequently, as a way of ridiculing the Churchs effort to defend their lives, attempts are made to present her position as ideological, obscurantist and conservative. Yet this defence of unborn life is closely linked to the defence of each and every other human right. It involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development. Human beings are ends in themselves and never a means of resolving other problems. Once this conviction disappears, so do solid and lasting foundations for the defence of human rights, which would always be subject to the passing whims of the powers that be. Reason alone is sufficient to recognize the inviolable value of each single human life, but if we also look at the issue from the standpoint of faith, every violation of the personal dignity of the human being cries out in vengeance to God and is an offence against the creator of the individual.[176]
The 85-page document has Pope Francis putting together his priorities after eight months worth of homilies, speeches and interviews. Francis wrote the bulk of it in August, during the Vaticans summer lull, said Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi, according to AP.
It is already receiving praise, with one pro-life blogger commenting, Anyone who feared or hoped that Pope Francis intended to change (which would not be possible) or soft-pedal the Churchs teachings on these matters might want to note carefully what he says.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops has produced a new video honoring the pro-life spirit and mission Pope Francis has had thus far since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church.
Open Your Hearts to Life! Pope Francis reaches out to the weakest and most vulnerable masterpieces of Gods creation in his Day for Life greeting, the USCCB says about the video.
CLICK LIKE IF YOURE PRO-LIFE!
Earlier this week, after Pope Francis blessed a disabled man who suffered from growths all over his head and body, the leader of the Catholic Church took the time to bless a severely disfigured man without a face.
The disabled man who made international headlines after Pope Francis blessed him was greatly appreciative of the Pope taking his time to bless him. Now, Pope Francis paused during his weekly audience to greet another disfigured person, showing his sensitivity to the dignity and worth of human life no matter what physical conditions they face.
Pope Francis stopped to speak to and hug the man who lacked facial features.
Pro life ping!!!
If the Church ever DOES “compromise” on abortion, we will know the Papacy has been HIJACKED! And, indeed, the End Times could be near.
Perhaps, when (if) he visits these United States, he could pay a visit to a "crisis" pregnancy center; see what we do to assist women in very difficult situations. Maybe they don't have them in Argentina or Europe. If so, perhaps he could get them started.
I’m unclear as to how taunting “backsliding Protestants” accomplishes anything good.
Help me out here. Aren't you guys (Catholics and Protestants) supposed to be on the same side?
Whose face is that in?
“Help me out here. Aren’t you guys (Catholics and Protestants) supposed to be on the same side? “
You would think so! However when there are Female Clergy in the Episcopagan church calling abortion a “blessing” and a “Sacrament” then I wonder just which side are they on?
Mind you that is just one denomination that supports or condones abortion.
They, the Episcopagans, need to go to the same closet I go to.......
Catholic ping!
Dumb expression.
Whatever our differences, we Christians are in it together and will be lumped together by the anti-Christians.
“An overwhelming majority of Catholics practice artificial contraception. “
They accept they big lie, the pill, and the conceived baby can’t/won’t lie in the womb.
You should agree however that “pro choice christans” make us all look bad. These “christians” need to be dealt with.
agreed. That’s why I actually think these atheists churches may be a good thing if they steal members from the Christian church.
I welcome this exhortation (and clarification?) from the pope. How tired I have become of hearing our daily liberal paper saying Pope Francis is de-emphasizing issues like abortion and contraception.
Way to take good news and use it as a weapon.
I applaud my Catholic friends for this principled stand by the Pope from the Protestant side of the aisle.
Sure ... Christian leaders should ALL be emphasizing issues like abortion, contraception, buggery and euthanasia ... and the evils thereof. Perhaps he mentioned Pregnancy Centers elsewhere, but if not he could. Or should. IMO. It’s not like we’re doing nothing.
Well I sure glad someone agrees! Sorry so sound like an old Nun but I agree with Rush Limbaugh on this. If a church, any church is going to be “Pro Choice” then that choice should be for “Life” and only for “life”.
” Its not like were doing nothing.”
No “we’re” not but who is the Lamestream media reporting? The ones who are supporting abortion!!
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