The Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco said this week “if the precedence of the right to life over the power of the State is questioned, the entire foundation for human rights and the principle of democratic participation of citizens is in jeopardy.”

The cardinal’s comments came during a conference at the International Congress, “Europe for Life,” which took place May 4-7 and was organized by the Catholic University of San Antonio in Murcia, the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Diocese of Cartagena.

Cardinal Rouco expressed dismay at the growing number of abortions in Spain, including late-term abortions, underscoring the need for a renewed presence of Christians in public life.

The debate over the issue of the right to life in Church-State relations, the cardinal said, demands of the bishop a constant concern for the Gospel of life in personal relationships and in public dialogue with political leaders.