PAPAL CALL IN DEFENSE OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 14, 2000 (VIS) - John Paul II today renewed his call for scientists, educators, families, journalists and, especially, legislators, to commit themselves in defense of the right to and promotion of life.

Addressing participants in the sixth plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life on the day commemorating the fifth anniversary of the publication of the Encyclical "Evangelium vitae" (March 25, 1995), the Pope requested "that all people of good will feel called to activity in support of this great cause." The event was organized by the Pontifical Councils for the Family and for the Pastoral Care of Health Care Workers, as well as by the academy.
"Facts exist," he said, "that prove with growing clarity that anti-life policies and legislation are causing the decay of society, not only in a moral sense but also demographically and economically. Consequently, the encyclical's message may be presented not just as a true and authentic signpost to moral rebirth, but also as a point of reference for the salvation of civil society."

The Holy Father condemned the mentality that holds that anti-life legislation cannot be combatted and "is almost a social necessity," when, in fact, "it constitutes the seed of the corruption of society and of its foundations. Civil and moral conscience cannot accept this false inevitability, just as it cannot accept the idea of the inevitable nature of war or inter-ethnic slaughter."

Making reference to the relationship between civil and moral law, a topic discussed in the encyclical, he called for "a renewed and unanimous commitment, especially from legislators, to modify unjust laws that legitimize or tolerate this violence. May no path be left untried to eliminate legalized crime, or at least to limit the damage of such legislation."

The Pope also referred to another part of the encyclical in which he talks of building a new culture of life. "In the last five years," he said, "many initiatives have been promoted in dioceses and parishes, yet much remains to be done. True pastoral care of life cannot simply be delegated to specific movements."

Above all, John Paul II highlighted, "the formation of pastoral agents in seminaries and theological institutes (is necessary, as is) a just and consistent teaching of morals in the various forms of catechesis and the formation of consciences. (All this) takes on concrete form in creating services that allow anyone in difficulty to find the necessary assistance."

The Pope closed his address by affirming that "the modification of laws can only be preceded and accompanied by a modification in mentality and behavior."

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