ZENIT - Pontiff Calls for Complete Fidelity to Magisterium

ZENIT - Pontiff Calls for Complete Fidelity to Magisterium



Article in part:

He mentioned in particular Scotland's support for euthanasia, developments in medical ethics and some practices advocated in the field of embryology, stating that these are a "cause for great concern."

"If the Church's teaching is compromised, even slightly, in one such area, then it becomes hard to defend the fullness of Catholic doctrine in an integral manner," the Holy Father said.

"Pastors of the Church, therefore, must continually call the faithful to complete fidelity to the Church's magisterium,"
he said, "while at the same time upholding and defending the Church's right to live freely in society according to her beliefs."

Benedict XVI pointed out that "the Church offers the world a positive and inspiring vision of human life, the beauty of marriage and the joy of parenthood."

He urged the bishops: "Be sure to present this teaching in such a way that it is recognized for the message of hope that it is.

"All too often the Church's doctrine is perceived as a series of prohibitions and retrograde positions, whereas the
reality, as we know, is that it is creative and life-giving, and it is directed towards the fullest possible realization of the great potential for good and for happiness that God has implanted within every one of us."