“Every form of discrimination between persons needs to be removed, but the unique character of marriage between a man and a woman needs to be protected in an unconditional way”. That’s why the Swish bishops ask the Federal Council “not to adopt the law” establishing a register for unions between persons of the same sex “in its present version”. This is one of the positions adopted by the Swiss bishops at its last ordinary Assembly, held from 1 to 3 March. During their meeting, the bishops also tackled the question of the protection of life “from its beginning to its end” and debated the federal law relating to research on stem cells that will be subjected to a popular referendum. The Episcopal Conference has set up a work group on the question which is expected to announce its findings shortly. “The bishops says the final communiqué of the assembly wish to reaffirm that the absolute respect for human life, from its beginning to its end, is imperative”. During the assembly, the Swiss episcopate also discussed the first national meeting of Catholic youth to be held in Bern from 5-6 June with the exceptional presence of the Holy Father. To prepare the journey of John Paul II, a Vatican delegation headed by Msgr. Renato Boccardo visited Switzerland on 26/27 February and met with the organizing Committee and representatives of the federal authorities. It is usual the Swiss Episcopal Conference has made it known – that “the official announcement of this visit will be made, subject to unforeseen circumstances, several weeks before the Pope’s departure”.
