NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN CITY, 28 (NE) Pope John Paul II received yesterday a group of teachers and students from the Pontifical Institute John Paul II for studies on matrimony and family. This institute, founded 18 years ago by the Pope, currently develops its activity in Italy, Spain, USA, Mexico, India, and other countries.

      During his address, the Pope denounced the intention of many cultural sectors to "eliminate the corporal mediation in the conjugal act as the occasion where a new human life can have its origin."

      The Pontiff explained that this means to "degrade procreation to the level of a technically controlled reproduction." As such, procreation is no longer a "collaboration with God the Creator and the personal dignity is lost."

      On the other hand, the Pope acknowledged the growing tide of attacks against family in the last 18 years. Today, "the discussion is no longer merely about particular moral norms of sexual and family ethics. Today an alternate anthropology stands in opposition to the image of man and woman according to natural reason, and in particular, to the Christian image of man and woman."

      Pope John Paul II finally expressed that in spite of these erroneous interpretations, "the destiny of humanity goes through family" and, therefore, the Church must untiringly reflect in the "plan of God for the person, matrimony and family" and to display a consequent apostolic action.

Articles provided through Catholic World News and Church News at Noticias Eclesiales and International Dossiers, Daily Dispatches and Features at ZENIT International News Agency. CWN, NE and ZENIT are not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC but provide this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.