WASHINGTON, D.C. (14 April 2008) – American Life League warns pro-abortion Catholic politicians not to politicize the Eucharist in a nation-wide, full page message addressed to Pope Benedict XVI. On April 17, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass in Washington, DC where pro-abortion Catholic politicians are expected to attempt to receive communion.
"Pro-abortion Catholics, who are not really Catholics at all, are opportunists of the worse sort. It would not surprise us at all if they seek to validate their position by exploiting the Holy Father's visit by receiving Holy Communion from the pope," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League. "Such public figures as well as organizations like Catholics for a Free Choice have been scandalizing Catholics for years by publicly flaunting their radical, pro-abortion position while receiving communion. This is a sacrilege which we pray will not occur during the Holy Father's Mass."
American Life League's ad informs the pope that a "great majority" of Catholic politicians openly support legalized abortion. The ad presents the pictures of 21 of the "most egregious offenders" and American Life League expresses concern that at least some of these pro-abortion Catholics may try to receive the Sacrament during the papal Mass.
The message of the ad is based on Catholic Church law, specifically Canon Law 915, which states that those who "obstinately persist in grave sin are not to be admitted to communion."
"Not only is performing or receiving an abortion a grave sin, but so is helping someone obtain one either by driving them to an appointment, paying for it, or working to make or keep it legal," Brown stated.
American Life League was co-founded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Michael Hichborn at 540.226.9178.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- American Life League: Full-Page Ad (14 April 2008)
- NPR: Pope Aims to Rally Catholics on First Visit to US (14 April 2009)
- Life Site News: Pope Supports Excommunication for Pro-Abortion Politicians – "Incompatible with Receiving Communion" (9 May 2007)
- Medical News Today: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks Out Against Abortion, Mexico City Law Legalizing Procedure On Visit To Brazil (14 May 2007)
