We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.

Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.

Help Now >

The new (Papal) sheriff...is coming to town!!!

Free World Class Education
FREE Catholic Classes

By Hugh McNichol
Op/Ed

En route to Brazil the Holy Father Benedict XVI gave a brief glimpse of his Pro-life advocacy as the papal B-52 headed towards the South American continent. "We in the Church have a great struggle to defend life...life is a gift not a threat," the Catholic leader said. "The Church says life is beautiful, it is not something to doubt but it is a gift even when it is lived in difficult circumstances. It is always a gift.

There is no room for interpretation or considerations to this familiar proclamation of papal pontifications. The Holy Father is clear, human life in all of its stages of development is sacred and precious, and to be preserved. This author just wants to add...what don't you pro-choice and advocates for abortion rights understand about the Church's teachings on the value and dignity of human life.

During the same papal-in flight news conference Benedict XVI also confirmed that politicians and believers alike that are in tune with options contrary to the Church's moral teachings are in grave sin and erroneous judgment. As the pontifical blitzkrieg continues counting up Benedict XVI's first real frequent flyer miles, the Holy Father also added that such believers should not receive Holy Communion and should consider their positions liable to excommunication.

Download 100's of Prayers for free

This particular proclamation regarding the defense of the sanctity of human life is a welcome reinforcement of the Magisterium's position on the issue, as Americans in North America continue to see political wrestling with this issue. Last week, my blog reported on Archbishop Burke's withdrawal of support for an event that was supported by abortion rights advocate Sheryl Crow. Later on in the week, hopeful presidential candidate Hilary Clinton (an avowed prochoice sponsor) voiced her opinion and support of a Catholic organization called Mercy in her attempt to lure Catholic voters.

Finally...this week the proverbial Big Bertha...is barking out true, correct and consistent Church teachings on the matter. Catholics need to take it to heart and to the polls...being Catholic is not just a Sunday recreational activity. The development and survival of Catholic teachings in an anti-theocratic world relies on faithful following to the Church's moral and ethical teachings. The cowboy theology that has prevailed in some cases over the last 40 or so years needs to ride into the theological sunset. The new sheriff in town clearly is on a campaign towards law and order. Deo Gratias!