National Right to Life praises John Paul II as ‘a strong defender of life’

Washington D.C., Apr 4, 2005 / 22:00 pm

The National Right to Life in Washington D.C. recently added its voice to the millions worldwide in praising Pope John Paul II as “an unfaltering voice for the unborn, the disabled and the elderly and was a strong defender of the right to life.”

Wanda Franz Ph.D., president of the nationwide organization, added that, “His stalwart opposition to the evils of abortion, infanticide and euthanasia was grounded in compassion and love and he will be deeply missed.”

Most recently, the 2004 teachings of John Paul on those in “vegetative” states was strongly utilized by the group in its fight to defend the life of Terri Schiavo, who died of starvation last week.

“He issued the first clear and explicit papal statement on the moral obligation to provide food and water for patients in a “persistent vegetative state,” stating that, “the administration of food and water...always represents a natural means of preserving life, not a medical act,” the group said.

The National Right to Life also fondly recalled the pope’s “love of children,” noting that he “often appearing happiest during his visits to World Youth Day, an annual worldwide gathering of young people.  He was committed to spreading the culture of life to the next generation of world leaders.”

Dr. Franz added on Saturday, almost immediately following his passing that, “Pope John Paul II will be remembered with love for his dedication to the pro-life cause and for the millions of lives he has touched around the world through his words and actions.”