"Renew once again the commitment to defend and promote human life […] from conception to its natural end, taking into account the difficult conditions that so many brothers and sisters have to face and sometimes bear." This is the call that Pope Francis addressed to the participants in the 35th National Meeting of the Centri di Aiuto alla Vita (Centers of support for life) received in audience on Friday, November 6th.
"How can we genuinely teach the importance of concern for other vulnerable beings [...] if we fail to protect a human embryo—the Pope said, quoting the Encyclical Laudato si’— human life is itself a gift which must be defended from various forms of debasement." Trying "to imitate the Good Samaritan in face of the various kind of threats to human life—he continued, addressing those present—, you feel close to the other's vulnerability; you are called to do this in society so that those who live in precarious conditions are not excluded and rejected."
All are therefore encouraged not to lose heart as we "work for the protection of the most vulnerable persons, who have the right to be born into life, as well as for all those who are seeking a healthier and more dignified existence. Work needs to be done especially at different levels and with perseverance, for the promotion and defense of the family, society's primary resource, in particular—he concluded—with respect to the gift of children and the affirmation of the dignity of women."
