Wellington, New Zealand, Jun 20, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The Catholic Church in New Zealand says Pope Benedict XVI's message about the sanctity of marriage will impact voters in the upcoming general election, reported RNZ/one news.
During a recent speech to ambassadors to the Vatican, including New Zealand's new ambassador Geoffrey Ward, Pope Benedict warned against “secular distortions of marriage.”
"New Zealanders traditionally have recognized and celebrated the place of marriage and stable domestic life at the heart of their society,” the Pope said in his speech.
"They appreciate that secular distortions of marriage can never overshadow the splendor of a life-long covenant based on generous self-giving and unconditional love. Correct reason tells them that the future of humanity passes by way of the family."