San Salvador, El Salvador, May 11, 2007 / 12:59 pm (CNA).- The president of El Salvador, Elias Antonio Saca, reaffirmed his pro-life position this week and said he was moved by Pope Benedict XVI’s defense of human life during his visit to Brazil this week, and he called on the presidents of Latin America to think twice about receiving the Eucharist if they support abortion.

“I think the words of His Holiness Benedict XVI will truly moving,” Saca said in reference to the Pope’s discourse upon arriving in Brazil.  During his remarks the Pope reiterated his opposition to abortion and euthanasia and encouraged bishops who will be participating in the 5th General Conference of the Latin American Bishops’ Council to emphasize “respect for life from the moment of conception until natural death as an integral requirement of human nature.”

President Saca said the Pontiff “even told the presidents of Latin America: look, if you support abortion, you should be careful about receiving Communion on Sundays.’  The Pope was very firm.”

He added that his own position on the issue is “very clear.”  “I oppose abortion because it is murder and we cannot agree with that,” he said.

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