Pope Warns Affluence a Threat to Pro-life Values

|TOP|Pope Benedict XVI has attacked the pleasure-seeking focus of affluent society for its weakening effect on Christian pro-life values. The attack came as the Pope issued strong condemnation of abortion and euthanasia.

The thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Pope’s weekly angelus blessing were warned that life was often “extolled for as long as it is pleasurable, but tends not to be respected anymore when it is sick or disabled”.

"Every human life, as it is, deserves and demands to always be defended and promoted," the pope said on the day the Catholic Church celebrates annually as a "Day of Life".

"We well know that this truth often risks being contradicted from the widespread hedonism in the so called affluent society (in which) life is extolled as long as it is pleasurable, but tends not to be respected any more when it is sick or disabled."

|QUOTE|Pope Benedict saluted the thousands of pro-life volunteers and members of Italy’s “Movement for Life” gathered among the crowds of pilgrims.

In an earlier annual papal visit to the parish of Saint Anne within the Vatican walls, the Pope had said that “man is not the master of life; he is rather its custodian and manager”.

Centre-left critics hit out against Italy’s bishops last month following their call for Catholic voters to give their vote to parties in the upcoming elections that uphold the Church’s teaching on the right to life and protection of family values.

Just last month, the Pope launched an impassioned condemnation of irresponsible sex and what he described as a “culture of death” that had pervaded the modern world.

Urging people to rediscover their faith, the Pope laid aside his prepared sermon and compared the wild excessive culture seen today in the 21st Century to the ancient Roman Empire.

“In our times we need to say 'no' to the largely dominant culture of death,” said the Pope.
related articles
Roman Catholic Head Urges People to Rediscover their Faith

Roman Catholic Head Urges People to Rediscover their Faith

Pope John Paul II’s Shooter to be Released

Pope John Paul II’s Shooter to be Released

Pope: Catholic-Reformed Dialogue Heals 'Tragic Divisions'

Pope: Catholic-Reformed Dialogue Heals 'Tragic Divisions'

Pope Benedict Exhorts Understanding of Love to World Catholics

Pope Benedict Exhorts Understanding of Love to World Catholics

News
The Cosmos and the Cross: A Christian’s perspective on space
The Cosmos and the Cross: A Christian’s perspective on space

Reflecting on alien life, Easter, and the God who holds the galaxies.

Gaza church praises Pope Francis who called 'every day' during war
Gaza church praises Pope Francis who called 'every day' during war

The Holy Family Church was praised boy Francis for its "closeness" to him during his "period of trial".

170 Nigerian Christians killed during Lent and Easter
170 Nigerian Christians killed during Lent and Easter

Massacres are becoming "customary" during Christian festivals

Court rules against gender neutral toilets in Scottish schools
Court rules against gender neutral toilets in Scottish schools

The courts appear to be turning against trans activism.