Pro-life advocates are praising the election this afternoon of Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as Pope in Rome. Pope Francis I, as he will be known, has made a number of strong statements opposing abortion, calling it a "death penalty" for the unborn. According to LifeNews.com, pro-life advocates across America have spoken up today to support the new pope and his stand against abortion.
Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee, stated this afternoon “The National Right to Life welcomes the election of Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio as Pope Francis. As Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI before him, we look forward to Pope Francis furthering the cause of life around the world.”
Charmaine Yoest of Americans United for Life said prayers “are extended to him as a world leader whom I have no doubt will be a passionate advocate for all people, born and unborn. The pro-life movement owes a debt of gratitude to the Catholic Church for its leadership and on-going commitment to building a world in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law. Americans United for Life extends our sincere congratulations to our Catholic friends as they prepare to welcome Pope Francis I as their new leader.”
Bryan Kemper, Youth Outreach Director for Priests for Life, told LifeNews.com “I stand with Catholic youth around the world praying for Pope Francis, excited for his leadership and am committed to continue to share the message of life that is so central to our Church.”
In addition to calling abortion a "death penalty" for the unborn, Bergoglio said in 2007 “we should commit ourselves to ‘eucharistic coherence’, that is, we should be conscious that people cannot receive holy communion and at the same time act or speak against the commandments, in particular when abortion, euthanasia, and other serious crimes against life and family are facilitated. This responsibility applies particularly to legislators, governors, and health professionals.” Such a statement suggests the Pope would not allow any Catholic who supports abortion to take Communion.
Pope Francis will deliver his first mass on March 19.
Victor Medina writes for Yahoo News and his political blog WhenLiberalsAttack.com. His other writing credits include The Dallas Morning News and SportsIllustrated.com. He has served as a Dallas County election judge and on the Board of Directors of The Sixth Floor Museum. You can follow him on his blog, VictorMedina.com or on Twitter at @mrvictormedina. He can be reached by email at vic@victormedina.com. Click here to receive email updates to WhenLiberalsAttack.com. To be notified of future stories by Victor Medina, click the SIGN UP or SUBSCRIBE button at the top of this page.
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