Pope Denounces Abortion Campaigns in Africa
Addresses Kenyan Bishops on Marriage and Family
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VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2007
Benedict XVI denounced international agencies that
promote abortion on the African continent, and encouraged
the bishops of Kenya to defend life in all its phases.
The Pope said this upon receiving in audience prelates
of the Episcopal conference of Kenya, in Rome for their
five-yearly visit. "While the understanding of Christian
family life finds a deep resonance in Africa," he said,
"it is a matter of great concern that the globalized secular
culture is exerting an increasing influence on local communities
as a result of campaigns by agencies promoting abortion."
"This direct destruction of an innocent human life can never be
justified, however difficult the circumstances that may lead some
to consider taking such a grave step," added the Holy Father.
The Pontiff added, "When you preach the Gospel of Life, remind
your people that the right to life of every innocent human being,
born or unborn, is absolute and applies equally to all people
Benedict XVI said "the Catholic community must offer
support to those women who may find it difficult to accept
a child, above all when they are isolated from their family
and friends."
"Likewise, the community should be open to welcome back
all who repent of having participated in the grave sin of abortion,
and should guide them with pastoral charity to accept the grace of
forgiveness, the need for penance, and the joy of entering once more
into the new life of Christ," he said.
A blessing
The Pope also spoke of marriage and family life, "which the people
of Africa hold in particular esteem." "The devoted love of Christian married
couples is a blessing for your country," said the Holy Father. "This precious
treasure must be guarded at all costs."
The Pontiff continued: "All too often, the ills besetting some parts
of African society, such as promiscuity, polygamy and the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases, can be directly related to disordered notions of
marriage and family life."
"For this reason it is important to assist parents in
teaching their children how to live out a Christian vision
of marriage, conceived as an indissoluble union between
one man and one woman, essentially equal in their humanity
[...] and open to the generation of new life."
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