Washington D.C., Apr 19, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Numerous pro-life groups are enthusiastic about the election of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger as the next Pope, praising his track record as a defender of the dignity of human life at all its stages, from conception to natural death.
"We thankfully recognize the staunch pro-life commitment of Cardinal Ratzinger during the whole of his episcopacy and we are confident that as Pope Benedict XVI, he will continue his strong defense of the Church's teaching on the sanctity of human life,” said Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, president of Human Life International.
Fr. Euteneuer said he hopes that the words of Pope John Paul II in Christifideles laici on the right to life will guide the new Pope “in this all-important task.”
“We look forward to working together with and under the leadership of the new Pope to advance the Culture of Life," said Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life.