Yay! Babies!
Having Kids Sends a Message, Says Pope
Benedict XVI Challenges Families
VATICAN CITY, MAY 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Families can testify to the value of life by having children, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope delivered that message Saturday to participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family. The three-day assembly in Rome ended that same day.
The Holy Father said that Christian families have the challenge to attest with their lives that procreation is the fruit of love, since a person is not simply merchandise.
"The historic moment we are living calls for Christian families to attest with courageous coherence that procreation is the fruit of love," said the Pontiff.
"Such a testimony will be a stimulus for politicians and lawmakers to safeguard the rights of the family," he affirmed.
Benedict XVI mentioned several attacks against marriage and the family. He noted, for instance, that several countries legally recognize "de facto unions," which, while "rejecting the obligations of marriage, seek to enjoy equivalent rights."
The Holy Father continued: "At times, moreover, attempts are being made to come to a new definition of marriage to legalize homosexual unions, also attributing to them the right of adoption of children."
However, the Pontiff said, "the unity and firmness of families helps society to breathe authentic human values and to be open to the Gospel."
Hope
Families also give optimism to contemporary societies that suffer the so-called demographic winter "with the consequent progressive aging of the population," the Pope said.
"At times it seems families are besieged by fear in face of life, paternity and maternity," Benedict XVI continued. "It is necessary to give back confidence to them so that they can continue to fulfill their noble mission of procreation in love."
The Pope also indicated signs of hope: "Thanks be to God, especially among young people, many are rediscovering the value of chastity, which appears increasingly as a sure guarantee of authentic love."
Benedict XVI Challenges Families
VATICAN CITY, MAY 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Families can testify to the value of life by having children, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope delivered that message Saturday to participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family. The three-day assembly in Rome ended that same day.
The Holy Father said that Christian families have the challenge to attest with their lives that procreation is the fruit of love, since a person is not simply merchandise.
"The historic moment we are living calls for Christian families to attest with courageous coherence that procreation is the fruit of love," said the Pontiff.
"Such a testimony will be a stimulus for politicians and lawmakers to safeguard the rights of the family," he affirmed.
Benedict XVI mentioned several attacks against marriage and the family. He noted, for instance, that several countries legally recognize "de facto unions," which, while "rejecting the obligations of marriage, seek to enjoy equivalent rights."
The Holy Father continued: "At times, moreover, attempts are being made to come to a new definition of marriage to legalize homosexual unions, also attributing to them the right of adoption of children."
However, the Pontiff said, "the unity and firmness of families helps society to breathe authentic human values and to be open to the Gospel."
Hope
Families also give optimism to contemporary societies that suffer the so-called demographic winter "with the consequent progressive aging of the population," the Pope said.
"At times it seems families are besieged by fear in face of life, paternity and maternity," Benedict XVI continued. "It is necessary to give back confidence to them so that they can continue to fulfill their noble mission of procreation in love."
The Pope also indicated signs of hope: "Thanks be to God, especially among young people, many are rediscovering the value of chastity, which appears increasingly as a sure guarantee of authentic love."
posted by DP | 5:38 PM
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