Posted on 08/19/2017 7:49:03 AM PDT by ebb tide
In a recent interview, Cardinal Vincenzo Paglia denounced rumors that the revamped Pontifical Academy for Life will reinterpret Humanae Vitae.
Its a totally false opinion, Paglia told interviewer Mirosław Tykfer of Przewodnik Katolicki, a Polish Catholic magazine. Whoever [repeats] it should go ask forgiveness because he speaks a falsehood.
Nevertheless, the controversial cardinal has introduced several innovations to the Academy for Life, including at least one pro-abortion member and a new focus on the environment, mass migration, economic oppression, slavery, and the threat of nuclear war.
When Father Tykfer doubted that this broadening would help better defend life from its conception to natural death, Paglia argued that it would. How can one support life, for example, if old people are left alone? he asked. Or if we allow children to die in the Mediterranean Sea without doing anything? Or if the death penalty is upheld or war is deemed justified?
Among the many challenges Paglia lists as facing the Church and all humanity is the threat of a global environmental disaster: We face the possibility for the first time in human history that the Great Flood of the Bible could happen to the letter. The Church, who is mother and teacher to all humanity, cant stand around watching.
The revamped Academy for Life has invited collaboration and representatives from other Christian traditions and other religions. When Tykfer suggested that this might weaken Catholic doctrine and that the Academy is liberalizing traditional teaching, Paglia protested.
This affirmation is absolutely false and calumnious, he said. The Academy as I have already said always defends life, without ifs or buts. If anything, the Academy is even busier at defending the Gospel of Life. You cant be pro-life only for certain times in life: you cant be pro-life against abortion and keep silent before the new massacres of elderly people that are now being implemented in our societies. You cant be pro-life against euthanasia and keep silent before border closures, allowing those who flee war and hunger to die during their flight. On these matters, we must broaden our alliances.
Paglia cited in particular the pro-abortion Anglican chosen by the Archbishop of Canterbury as his representative at the Academy (Nigel Biggar). Someone has attacked the Academy for having welcomed [him], said Paglia. Ive already clarified elsewhere about the problem of his affirmation of abortion in a debate against a professor who was a firm proponent of abortion. Its a sentiment we dont share. But this scientist, who wishes to defend life anyway, is among those who effectively argue against euthanasia in a manner totally consistent with the Catholic Church.
Paglia cited the legacy of John Paul II many times. Regarding the new ecumenical, interreligious collaboration in the Academy for Life, he referred to the first World Day of Prayer for Peace. If I may be permitted a comparison, he said, its the strategy of Saint John Paul II when he called to Assisi in 1986 the leaders of the great world religions to call upon God for peace. Who knows what could have happened if there hadnt been the Spirit of Assisi?
In an editorial introducing the interview to his readers, Tykfer admits that he might not be objective about Cardinal Paglias new strategy, as Paglia is a co-founder of the San Egidio society, to which Tykfer belongs. He also notes that the Polish media, like other media, has unleashed an avalanche of criticism regarding Paglias innovations. However, Tykfer finds this somewhat unjustified. While recognizing concerns about Professor Biggar, he believes that Paglias broadening of the Academys scope is a good idea and in keeping with Saint John Paul IIs desire for interreligious dialogue.
The new pro-life strategy is heading in the right direction, he concluded.
How can one be pro-abortion while being "totally"consistent with the the Catholic Church"? Especially if one is on the Pontifical Acadamey for Life?
Biggar, as a keynote speaker at a Mayo Clinic event stated, "It is not true that all abortion is equivalent to murder."
Liar. You wanted Charlie Gard to die.
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