NEW YORK -- Fr. Frank Pavone, International Director of Priests for Life and an official of the Pontifical Council for the Family at the Vatican, applauded the 27 page document released by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, "Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics," the purpose of which is to bring even more clarity to, among other things, the Church's long-standing position on Catholic politicians and abortion. In a statement from Rome today, Fr. Pavone said:
"For those who are Catholic, there can no longer be any doubt: There is simply no way to be Catholic and 'Pro-Choice,' when the choice in question involves the taking of innocent life. Those who hold that there is more than one Catholic position on abortion are mistaken and need to stop misleading others.
"In reality, the Catholic position is the only position that promotes authentic human freedom of choice. It recognizes that 'Choice' has an obligation to 'Truth.' If Catholics want to govern, then let them govern all the people -- that includes the youngest members of the human family.
"In the course of my travels throughout the United States, few questions have been asked of me with such urgency and consistency than that of how to address the scandal of politicians who call themselves Catholic, and yet permit the legal destruction of innocent babies.
"Priests for Life has addressed this question in the past in communion with the Bishops. We therefore welcome this new statement and pledge the active cooperation of thousands of our priest members throughout the country to see that this document is known and applied."
Copies of the statement can be obtained by calling the Priests for Life press office at: 540-785-4733. The statement will also be available tomorrow morning on our Web site: http://www.priestsforlife.org.
Fr. Frank Pavone is a priest of the New York Archdiocese and an Official of the Pontifical Council for the Family at the Vatican where he helps to coordinate pro-life activities throughout the world. He has led the Priests for Life movement throughout the world since 1993. Priests for Life is an association recognized under the Canon Law of the Catholic Church.