The Holy Father Clearly Lays Out That Life Begins at Conception to Pelosi on her Visit

I must say, this is EXACTLY what I was hoping would happen. I have had enough of leaders saying they are Catholic but pro-choice and that the church has no firm stand on this issue. Puuulllleeease. I am not Catholic, but went to Catholic schools growing up and the Catholic church has ALWAYS been clear on this issue.

I was surprised when I heard Pelosi, who wants to pass FOCA and expand abortion widely, was arrogant enough to think that she could have an audience with the Pope and still be able to hold to this view. I am glad the Pope made this clear.

I WAS hoping that there would be a stronger statement about consequences. I would love to have heard a comment like from various American Cardinals and Bishops that acting on FOCA would lead to excommunication. It may have been said.. but it was not made clear in the press release.

LifeSiteNews reports:

VATICAN CITY, February 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Vatican Press Office released a note this morning detailing part of the conversation which Pope Benedict XVI had with Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vatican insiders inform LifeSiteNews.com that such releases are always phrased in diplomatic language and thus the correction of the Speaker who fancies herself a faithful Catholic despite her abortion advocacy can be taken as a rebuke.

The text of the note reads: “His Holiness took the opportunity to speak of the requirements of the natural moral law and the Church’s consistent teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death which enjoin all Catholics, and especially legislators, jurists and those responsible for the common good of society, to work in cooperation with all men and women of good will in creating a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development.”