Chilean president meets with Pope, affirms right to life
March 03, 2011
Pope Benedict XVI met on March 3 with Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera Echenique, for a 30-minute discussion that touched on Chilean policies and on the situation in Latin America generally.
In an article that appeared in L'Osservatore Romano at the time of the meeting, the Chilean leader called attention to his country's pro-life stand, saying "that our democracy protects human rights, especially the right to life from conception to natural death.”
On Feb. 25, Chile received the International Protect Life Award as the country with the lowest maternal mortality rate in Latin America. The honor was a clear indication that abortion, contrary to the claims of its supporters, does nothing to diminish maternal deaths, as abortion is illegal in Chile.
"During the cordial discussions attention focused on questions of mutual interest, such as the protection of human life and the family, aid for integral development, the fight against poverty, respect for human rights, social justice and peace,” the Vatican announced following the meeting. “In this context, the positive role played by Catholic institutions in Chilean society was reiterated, especially in human promotion and education.”
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Further information:
- Pope Benedict XVI receives Chile's President Sebastian Pinera (Vatican Radio)
- Pope Receives Chilean President (VIS)
- President of Chile stresses importance of the right to life (CNA)
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