The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has available daily reflection on the day’s readings. To listen or view online or download to your iPod visit www.usccb.org/nab. Links to other pod and web casts are available on the Communications page of the site. You can also view the USCCB’s movie and television reviews and ratings 24 hours a day online at www.usccb.org/movies.

Washington (May 18, 2007) The 18 Democrats who recently criticized Pope Benedict XVI when he answered questions about Mexico’s legalizing abortion both misrepresented the Pope’s remarks and defied freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The position was noted by Sister Mary Ann Walsh, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Director of Media Relations in a May 18 statement, which follows.

In an unfortunate May 10 statement, 18 of the 88 Catholic Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives criticized Pope Benedict XVI’s remarks concerning Mexican lawmakers legalizing abortion. The Representatives’ statement misrepresents the Holy Father’s remarks and implies that the Church does not have a right to voice its teaching in the public square. The Holy See has made clear that neither the Mexican bishops nor the Holy Father have excommunicated any legislator. Rather, the Holy See reiterated longstanding Church teaching that anyone who freely and knowingly commits a serious wrong, that is, a mortal sin, should not approach the Eucharist until going to confession.

"The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision of society." (United States Catechism for Adults, p. 442) Consequently, every Catholic is obliged to respect human life, from conception until natural death.

To suggest that the Church should not clearly voice its teaching and apply it in a pluralistic society is to attack freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The Catholic Church always will and must speak out against the destruction of innocent unborn children. The right to do so is guaranteed by the Constitution that all legislators are elected to uphold. Speaking and acting against abortion is not a matter of partisan politics. It is a matter of life and death.

The bishops urge all Catholics, especially those who hold positions of public responsibility, to educate themselves about the teaching of the Church, and to seek pastoral advice so that they can make informed decisions with consistency and integrity.

Based on a September 2006 homily given by Pope Benedict XVI, in which he explained how those who are baptized create one family of believers who are never alone, the theme of the 2007 Peter’s Pence Collection is Let us make sure that none of God’s children ever feels alone.

This collection, scheduled in parishes in the Diocese of New Ulm the weekend of July 1, enables the Holy Father to respond with emergency financial assistance to the needy throughout the world - those who suffer as a result of war, oppression, disease, and natural disasters. It likewise provides the faithful with a tangible opportunity to not only empower the weak, defenseless, and voiceless, but also sustain those who suffer. Please give generously in your parish.