TO PRESIDENT CLINTON
August 1993, Denver
Church defends right to life
At the conclusion of his meeting with President Bill Clinton,
the Holy Father expressed his appreciation for their discussion and his hope
that decisions made by the nation's leaders will bring justice and peace to the
world. The Pope spoke in English.
Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased, Mr
President, that we have had this opportunity to talk together about some of the
principal concerns of the world situation at this moment. The inalienable
dignity of every human being and the rights which flow from that dignity - in
the first place, the right to life and the defence of life - as well as the
well-being and full human development of individuals and peoples, are at the
heart of the Church's message and action in the world. Essentially, these are
the themes on which the Church seeks a sincere and constructive dialogue with
the leaders of the world's nations and the representatives of the international
community. I look forward to further contacts in the future, in the same spirit
of mutual understanding and esteem which has always characterized relations
between the United States and the Holy See.
I take this opportunity to thank you once more for welcoming
me to the United States. I assure you that I pray each day for the leaders of
Government, that they may be wise and far-seeing servants of the common good,
and that their decisions and actions may bring justice and peace to the world.
Thank you.
Teachings of the
Magisterium on Abortion
