Pope Benedict Tells Catholics to Defend Life

The Vatican (LifeNews.com) -- Pope Benedict XVI met with bishops from Kenya today and urged Catholic around the world to continue to do everything possible to defend human beings from abortions. He also urged Catholics to welcome women who have had abortions back to the Church so they can rebuild relationships the abortion destroyed. The Pope praised the way that the people of the eastern African nation revere human life and said, “This precious treasure must be guarded at all costs.” "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," the pontiff added, according to a Catholic News Agency report. But Pope Benedict warned Catholics that they need to do more than vocalize opposition to abortion -- they must also provide tangible support to women in need. He 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.” Benedict also said Catholics should welcome post-abortive women back to their churches and provide them hope and healing. He called on them to “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."