Rome, Italy, Mar 21, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Under the headline, “Terri Schiavo: the ‘crime’ of being useless,” the Vatican’s newspaper L'Osservatore Romano published a harsh editorial criticizing the decision by Federal Judge James Whittemore not to order the reinsertion of a feeding tube in the Florida woman, who has been without food or water for over four days.
“She has no chance of ‘recovery’ or of living a ‘normal’ life. Therefore Terri Schiavo must die.” This is the “absurd and terrifying motive” behind the recent judicial ruling, the editorial states.
The article noted the intervention by the US Congress, but pointed out that Judge Whittemore has decided that “Terri’s life is not worth living and at the same time has condemned her to an atrocious death: death by hunger and thirst.”
“After all,” the editorial adds,”Terri's destiny appears not unlike that of many men and women who in the United States get capital punishment for their crimes. But Terri has committed no crimes, if not that of being 'useless' to the eyes of a society incapable of appreciating and defending the gift of life. Of any life," said the paper.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA