WASHINGTON—In a statement to mark Respect Life Month, October
2016, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York called for all human life to be “cherished
and protected.” Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of
the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The
Cardinal’s statement launches the year-long Respect Life Program (www.usccb.org/respectlife), which explores
the theme, “Moved by Mercy.” As Pope Francis said in calling for the Jubilee
Year of Mercy, “We are called to show mercy because mercy has first been shown
to us.” Cardinal Dolan said: “When we let our hearts be moved by God’s mercy,
it shapes everything.”

Cardinal
Dolan emphasized the need to protect human life at every stage. “From each tiny
child waiting to be born, to individuals nearing death, all are precious and
deserve our care and protection.”

“Women
and men suffering after abortion, individuals tempted to end their lives,
couples longing to conceive a child, people pushed to the margins of society by
a ‘throwaway culture’, expectant mothers facing challenging pregnancies, and
every other person—each ‘has a place in God’s heart from all eternity’,” he
said, citing the 2016 apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (The
Joy of Love).
Cardinal Dolan called for every person to be “treated with the dignity they
deserve. No one should ever be treated callously or carelessly – everyone
should be cherished and protected!”

Begun
in 1972, the Respect Life Program highlights the value and dignity of human
life throughout the year. It is observed in Catholic dioceses throughout the
United States. Tools equip leaders across the spectrum of Catholic work,
ministry, and education to integrate the message of mercy on life issues.

The
2016-17 Respect Life Program features six articles highlighting ways to put mercy into action.
They address the tragedy of assisted suicide, navigating infertility, facilitating
healing after abortion, end of life care, attentiveness to God’s creation, and
supporting birthmothers. This
year’s program offers new prayers, toolkits for clergy, social media, and press, and other resources for parish bulletins,
religious education, RCIA, marriage prep, and Catholic high schools.

The full text of Cardinal Dolan’s statement is available along with many
other resources at www.usccb.org/respectlife.

—

Keywords: Pope Francis, USCCB, U.S. bishops, Timothy Cardinal Dolan,
Committee on Pro-Life Activities, pro-life, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), Respect
Life Month, Respect Life Program, human dignity, women, pregnancy, birthmothers,
adoption, abortion, the elderly, end of life care, advance medical directives, infertility, physician-assisted suicide,
euthanasia, prayer, social justice, environmental justice, post-abortion
healing, Project Rachel, #MovedByMercy

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
O: 202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops