The principle theme of the assembly, the message says, “is the dignity of human beings and the absolute value of human life from conception to natural end.” On this subject, the cardinal recalls how the American continent “has a long tradition of respecting life, now threatened by the pressure of opinions contrary to its nature.”

I’m pleased. Once again, Mother Church has asserted a consistent position She has held for centuries. It is society that has departed from normality, and the Church calls us back to it.