Washington, D.C. (10 July 2009) – American Life League’s executive director Shaun Kenney issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s meeting today with Pope Benedict XVI. The Holy Father gave the president an autographed copy of "Dignitas Personae" – the Vatican document regarding the dignity of the human person.
“While we may never know precisely what was discussed between the President and the Holy Father, the gift of Dignitas Personae was much more than a booklet.
“Whether we discuss the recent G8 conference or this week’s promulgation of Caritas in Veritate, true human development can only be discussed in the context of full recognition of human rights. Pope Benedict XVI’s gift to Obama is a gift for those who wish to understand the Catholic position on human rights, especially for the victims of abortion whose rights are continually denied every day.
“Only in the context of human dignity can there be any true progress. Pope Benedict XVI’s spirited defense of the preborn is a golden example to all Catholics in the United States as we continue to vigorously discuss, and at times challenge, Obama’s social agenda."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic 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 Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Catholic News Service: Spokesman says pope wants honest dialogue with Obama on life issues (10 July 2009) http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0903181.htm
- Yahoo: Obama Concludes Meeting with Pope Benedict XVI (10 July 2009) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090710/ap_on_re_eu/eu_obama_vatican_6
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