Before praying the Angelus yesterday, Pope Benedict said a few words about abortion, euthanasia and the family:

“Life is the work of God, and should not be denied to anyone, not even the smallest and defenseless unborn child, especially not when affected by grave disabilities…I urge you not to fall into the deception of thinking that one can dispose of life to the point of legitimizing its interruption with euthanasia, masking it perhaps with a veil of human mercy.”

“The family, based on marriage, constitutes the natural environment for the birth and education of children and, therefore, to ensure the future of the whole of humanity.”

“Let us ask the Lord, through the intercession of Mary most holy, that respect will grow for the sacred character of life, that there will be ever greater awareness of genuine family needs, and that the number will increase of those who contribute to bring about in the world the civilization of love.”