Pope Benedict Speaks Out On Euthanasia and Suggests "Death Leave"

A very interesting story is coming out out of Rome today involving Pope Benedict and the Vatican Conference "Close by the Incurable Sick Person and the Dying: Scientific and Ethical Aspects"

I am awaiting to see if a English translation of the Pope's remarks will be had today. Vatican Radio has this written and also English radio report here at Pope Benedict Reiterates Teaching Against Euthanasia. Catholic News Agency has a good report here at Pope reaffirms Church’s stance against euthanasia. Here is a part:

Pope Benedict also pointed to how society can improve its support for the dying or seriously ill.
Just as when a child is born family members have specific rights to take time off work, said the Pope, in the same way "similar rights must be recognized" to the relatives of the terminally ill.

"A greater respect for individual human life inevitably comes through the concrete solidarity of each and all, and constitutes one of the most pressing challenges of our times".
After raising the issue of how it is becoming more common for elderly people in large cities to be alone "even in moments of serious illness and when approaching death", the Holy Father noted that such situations increase pressures towards euthanasia, "especially when a utilitarian view of people has become established".

In this context, the Holy Father once again recalled "the firm and constant ethical condemnation of all forms of direct euthanasia, in keeping with the centuries-long teaching of the Church".

"The synergetic efforts of civil society and of the community of believers must ensure not only that everyone is able to live in a dignified and responsible way, but also that they can face moments of trial and of death in the finest condition of fraternity and solidarity, even where death comes in a poor family or a hospital bed".
Society, said the Pontiff, must "ensure due support to families who undertake to care in the home, sometimes for long periods, sick members who are afflicted with degenerative conditions, ... or who need particularly costly assistance. ... It is above all in this field that synergy between the Church and the institutions can prove particularly important in ensuring the necessary help for human life in moments of frailty".

I agree totally. It is funny but I was discussing this very topic at the local Presbyterian Church last night. They had a community gumbo and I never miss a free meal. I pointed out that people need to start asking Obama and Hillary what they think about the "right to die" and all that. This will be a huge issue in the coming years and who they put on the Supreme Court will no doubt have address it. That scares the heck out of me.