” “” “Support to families, protection of new lives, care for the elderly and for people’s health: Pope Benedict XVI, in receiving today in the Vatican the civil servants of the city and province of Rome and the region Lazio, listed four priorities to be dealt with “within the scope of the civil community, its tasks and its many responsibiities and relations”. “I am thinking in particular of that very sensitive ground which is also decisive for people’s development and happiness as well as for the future of society, which lies in the family”, stated the Pope. Efforts must go in two directions. “On one side, all those measures that can support young couples in starting a family and to the family in begetting and raising their children are most advisable: the problems that immediately spring to mind are the cost of housing, crèches and nursery schools for children. On the other side, it would be a mistake to hide the value and role of the legitimate family based on marriage, by giving to any other form of union any improper legal recognition, of which there is not in fact any actual social need”. “Likewise, attention and efforts must be given according to Benedict XVI to the protection of new human lives: we need to make sure that expectant mothers who are in trouble will not want for factual help and that no drugs are sold that can some way or other hide the gravity of abortion, as a choice against life”. (segue)” “” “
