Pope says no to civil unions and RU486
There is no "social need" for other forms of marriage and drugs that "hide in some way the seriousness of abortion" should not be recommended.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) In truth, there is no "real social need" for "other forms" of marriage and "pills which in any way hide the seriousness of abortion" should not be offered. With these words, Benedict XVI today reiterated his "no" to civil unions and other legal forms of quasi-marriage and to the termination of pregnancy masked by the RU486 pill.
The Pope's latest intervention came during a meeting traditionally held at the start of the year with administrators of Rome, its province and Lazio. Among other things, he thanked them for the welcome they gave to millions of people who wished to participate in ceremonies marking the death of John Paul II and the selection of his successor. All humanity, said Benedict XVI, lived "a deep spiritual experience in those days, of faith and prayer, of brotherhood and the rediscovery of benefits which make our life worthy and rich in meaning. Such an experience should not be devoid of fruit, even in the world of civil community, with its tasks and many responsibilities and relationships. I think in particular of that terrain rather sensitive and decisive in the formation and happiness of people as well as for the future of society which is the family.
"Marriage and the family are not a random sociological construction, the outcome of particular historic and economic settings. On the contrary, the proper kind of relationship between a man and a woman digs its roots in the deepest essence of the human being and can find its response only when emanating from there". Marriage as an institution is therefore not "an undeserved interference of society or of the authorities, the imposition of a model from outside, rather it is an intrinsic need of the pact of conjugal love." And neither is a fact of Catholic morality, "but of elementary truth which regards our human community: respecting it is essential for the good of people and of society. They therefore also seek out your responsibilities as public administrators and your competencies as regards the law in a twofold manner. On the one hand, all those provisions which could be of support to young couples forming a family are opportune, as are those targeting the family itself in the generation and education of children: in this regard, problems like the cost of accommodation, of nurseries, of kindergartens for the youngest children come to mind. On the other hand, it is a serious mistake to obscure the value and functions of the legitimate family founded in matrimony, attributing legal recognition to other forms of improper unions for which, in reality, there is no true social need".
"The safeguarding of fledging human life calls for the same attention and commitment," continued the Pope. "Care must be taken to ensure that concrete aid for pregnant women in difficult conditions is not lacking, and to avoid the use of drugs, that in some way or other cover up the seriousness of abortion, as an anti-life choice."
The Pope added: "In an ageing society, assistance to elderly people, and all the complex issues pertaining to caring for citizens' health, assumes increasing relevance. I would like to encourage you in efforts you are making in these sectors and to underline that, in the health sector, continued scientific and technological development, coupled with a commitment to contain costs, should be promoted, while always bearing firmly in mind the higher principle of the centrality of the sick person".
.png)
