Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement regarding the State House’s unanimous rejection of Governor Tom Wolf’s budget proposal.
“Governor Tom Wolf cannot even get a single member of the House Democratic Caucus to stand up and support his massive tax hikes,” Gleason said. “Governor Tom Wolf has spent months discussing the ‘holistic’ nature of his spending plan, only to watch it get unanimously rejected by the Republicans and Democrats in the State House.
“Even House Democrats don’t want to be associated with Tom Wolf’s new burdens on Pennsylvania families. From new taxes on diapers and day care to nursing homes and even caskets, the Wolf budget will tax Pennsylvanians from cradle to grave.
“Governor Tom Wolf is quickly running out of excuses – and support – for his drastic tax hikes. It’s time for Governor Wolf to sit down and discuss commonsense economic solutions to Pennsylvania’s budget situation.”
Today, the State House voted 193-0 to reject Governor Tom Wolf’s budget proposal. The budget was introduced as an amendment to House Bill 283.
Governor Tom Wolf has stated that his budget is “a holistic program. It’s not meant to be cherry picked.” (Wallace McKelvey, “Gov. Tom Wolf on why he's raising, and lowering, your taxes: Keystone Q&A,” PennLive.com, 3/11/2015)
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
On Eve Of Visit, Pope Sends Video Message
Pope Francis has sent a video message to the population and the faithful of Bosnia and Herzegovina in view of his upcoming apostolic trip to the capital Sarajevo on Saturday 6 June. The following is the full text of the message.
“Dear brothers and sisters,
In just a few days I will travel to Sarajevo to be with you. This thought brings me joy, and I wish to extend my most cordial greetings to all of you who live in this city and in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I will come among you, with the help of God, to confirm the faith of Catholics, to support ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and above all to encourage peaceful coexistence in your country. I invite you to join me in prayer so that this apostolic trip may bear the desired fruits for the Christian community and for society as a whole.
'Peace be with you'. This is the motto of my visit. They are the words with which the risen Jesus greeted his disciples when he appeared in their midst in the Cenacle, on the eve of Passover. It is He, the Lord, our strength and our hope, Who gives us His peace, so that we might welcome it in our heart and spread it with joy and with love.
For my part, I prepare to come among you as a brother, as a messenger of peace, to express to everyone – to everyone! – my respect and friendship. I would like to announce God's mercy, tenderness to every person, to every family and to every community.
Dear brethren of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I assure you all of my affection and my strong spiritual closeness. I encourage you, Catholics, to be witnesses of faith and God's love for your fellow citizens, working for a society that makes its way towards peace in fraternity and mutual collaboration.
As I await our encounter, I invoke upon Sarajevo and the entire country the Lord's blessing and the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary. Thank you!”
“Dear brothers and sisters,
In just a few days I will travel to Sarajevo to be with you. This thought brings me joy, and I wish to extend my most cordial greetings to all of you who live in this city and in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I will come among you, with the help of God, to confirm the faith of Catholics, to support ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and above all to encourage peaceful coexistence in your country. I invite you to join me in prayer so that this apostolic trip may bear the desired fruits for the Christian community and for society as a whole.
'Peace be with you'. This is the motto of my visit. They are the words with which the risen Jesus greeted his disciples when he appeared in their midst in the Cenacle, on the eve of Passover. It is He, the Lord, our strength and our hope, Who gives us His peace, so that we might welcome it in our heart and spread it with joy and with love.
For my part, I prepare to come among you as a brother, as a messenger of peace, to express to everyone – to everyone! – my respect and friendship. I would like to announce God's mercy, tenderness to every person, to every family and to every community.
Dear brethren of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I assure you all of my affection and my strong spiritual closeness. I encourage you, Catholics, to be witnesses of faith and God's love for your fellow citizens, working for a society that makes its way towards peace in fraternity and mutual collaboration.
As I await our encounter, I invoke upon Sarajevo and the entire country the Lord's blessing and the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary. Thank you!”
Bad News For Hillary: Poll Numbers Sink
Two new surveys out today have more bad news for Hillary Clinton. Let's take a look at them.
On two questions that are important to voters, Hillary is hitting new lows.
The first: Does the phrase "honest and trustworthy" apply to Hillary Clinton? The second: Does she care about people like you?
The results of a new CNN poll are bad news for Clinton. Just 42 percent said "honest and trustworthy" applies to Clinton,. At the same time, 57 percent said it does not apply. Just 47 percent said Clinton cares about people like them, while 52 percent said she does not.
The results of a new CNN poll are bad news for Clinton. Just 42 percent said "honest and trustworthy" applies to Clinton,. At the same time, 57 percent said it does not apply. Just 47 percent said Clinton cares about people like them, while 52 percent said she does not.
Remember, these are the same key questions that Romney scored low on -- particularly the "cares about people like them," question where he effectively tanked.
On Obamacare, Sestak Gets It Wrong
Insurance companies across Pennsylvania are planning major rate hikes to remain compliant with Obamacare, according to Pennsylvania’s Rate Review Submissions on HealthCare.Gov.
News of the rate hikes comes just weeks after former Congressman Joe Sestak promised lower insurance premiums in 2016 as a result of Obamacare in an op-ed published on PennLive.com.
“What does Joe Sestak have to say to all of the Pennsylvania families and small businesses whose premiums are about to skyrocket due to Obamacare?” Republican Party of Pennsylvania Communications Director Megan Sweeney said. “When Joe Sestak voted for Obamacare, he voted for a bill that raised taxes, cut jobs and caused insurance premiums to skyrocket. Just months after Sestak boasted that Obamacare is drastically slowing premium increases, some Pennsylvania families and small businesses are facing the threat of rate hikes as high as 61 percent.
“Pennsylvania families and small businesses should not have to bear the financial consequences of Joe Sestak’s poor judgment. Joe Sestak was wrong to vote for Obamacare, and Pennsylvania families are continuing to pay the price.”
In March, Joe Sestak Promised Lower Premiums Thanks To Obamacare
In an opinion piece published on PennLive.com, former Congressman Sestak wrote, “Looking ahead, premiums offered on the health insurance exchanges are expected to be 15 percent lower in 2016 than we had expected back in 2010…” (Joe Sestak, “Five years in, Obamacare is a proven success: Joe Sestak,” PennLive.com, 3/26/2015)
News of the rate hikes comes just weeks after former Congressman Joe Sestak promised lower insurance premiums in 2016 as a result of Obamacare in an op-ed published on PennLive.com.
“What does Joe Sestak have to say to all of the Pennsylvania families and small businesses whose premiums are about to skyrocket due to Obamacare?” Republican Party of Pennsylvania Communications Director Megan Sweeney said. “When Joe Sestak voted for Obamacare, he voted for a bill that raised taxes, cut jobs and caused insurance premiums to skyrocket. Just months after Sestak boasted that Obamacare is drastically slowing premium increases, some Pennsylvania families and small businesses are facing the threat of rate hikes as high as 61 percent.
“Pennsylvania families and small businesses should not have to bear the financial consequences of Joe Sestak’s poor judgment. Joe Sestak was wrong to vote for Obamacare, and Pennsylvania families are continuing to pay the price.”
In March, Joe Sestak Promised Lower Premiums Thanks To Obamacare
In an opinion piece published on PennLive.com, former Congressman Sestak wrote, “Looking ahead, premiums offered on the health insurance exchanges are expected to be 15 percent lower in 2016 than we had expected back in 2010…” (Joe Sestak, “Five years in, Obamacare is a proven success: Joe Sestak,” PennLive.com, 3/26/2015)
Monday, June 1, 2015
Music Greats Headed To Philly This Summer!
Some of the most iconic names in live music will headline the Wells Fargo Center stage during six different nights during the month of June. These artists include Sir Paul McCartney, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler and more. More than 100,000 patrons are expected to walk through the Wells Fargo Center during these six shows combined.
“At the Wells Fargo Center, we take great pride in presenting something that everyone can enjoy,” said Global Spectrum's Matt Homan, General Manager at the Wells Fargo Center. “When you look at this line up for June, there is something for all tastes in music. Philadelphia is a tremendous live music city and to be able to present many of these great artists at the Wells Fargo Center this summer is a true testament to the music fans within Philadelphia.”
Barry Manilow starts the six-concert spree by making a stop during his ONE LAST TIME! Tour on Saturday, June 13. He last performed in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center on September 8, 2007.
Bette Midler brings her It’s the Girls! tour, combining beloved classics and new releases from her latest album on Tuesday, June 16. She last performed at the Wells Fargo Center on November 3, 2004.
Manilow and Midler once performed regularly together at the old Bijou Café in Philadelphia, as Manilow was Midler’s piano player.
New Kids on the Block are set to team up with multi-platinum selling artist TLC and Nelly on Friday, June 19 for the ultimate summer concert. The band has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide and is excited to bring their The Main Event tour to Philadelphia to celebrate with fans.
McCartney brings his Out There tour to Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, June 21. The McCartney live experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; in just three hours some of the greatest moments from the last 50 years of music are relived; music which for many has shaped the very soundtrack of their lives. With his long list of musical accomplishments, McCartney constantly provides fans with unforgettable performances. McCartney last performed at the Wells Fargo Center on August 14, 2010.
Rush, performing music from their 40 year career and 20 gold and platinum studio albums, last performed at the Wells Fargo Center on October 12, 2012. This could potentially be the band’s last tour.
Imagine Dragons will be hitting the Wells Fargo Center stage on Saturday, June 27 for their SMOKE + MIRRORS TOUR. Joining the band will be indie pop recording artist Halsey to ensure fans an electric performance full of energy and Grammy Award winning singles.
All six performers, boasting 23 Grammy Awards combined, are set to bring the perfect blend of throwbacks and current hits to Philadelphia.
Tickets for select shows are available exclusively through ComcastTIX online at ComcastTIX.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the Wells Fargo Center box office.
The Wells Fargo Center offers various options for dining and entertaining before, during and after all events. The Cure Insurance Club, the world's largest arena club features delicious food from Chickie's & Pete's, and Campo's Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks; and PJ Whelihan's, includes award-winning food and a tasty pub beer selection are open to all event ticket holders.
The Cadillac Grille Restaurant is the ultimate experience in entertainment and luxury at the Wells Fargo Center, featuring a chophouse menu, private restrooms, private VIP entrance, and bar. Become a VIP member and gain access to the Cadillac Grille, Cigar Bar & Lounge, and receive exclusive on sale announcements. To learn more about concert package memberships call 215-389-9545.
Wells Fargo Center social media accounts:
Twitter: @WellsFargoCtr Facebook: WellsFargoCenter Instagram: WellsFargoCenter
To receive advance notice and special offers to future events, join the free Wells Fargo Center CyberClub at wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Comcast–Spectacor (comcast-spectacor.com), which operates in 48 of the 50 United States, is the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment company which owns the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), the home arena for both the Flyers and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, the Wells Fargo Center, and four Flyers Skate Zone community ice skating and hockey rinks. In addition, Comcast-Spectacor is also the principal owner of Global Spectrum, the fastest growing firm in the public assembly management field with more than 125 facilities throughout the United States and Canada; Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage service provider; FanOne, a digital fan marketing company; and Paciolan, the leading provider of venue enablement, ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions.
B'way's Best To Present Paper Mill 'Star' Awards
As one of the nation’s leading regional theaters and producing partners for Broadway, Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) has a well-earned reputation for launching both performers and shows for the Great White Way. Since their inception in 1996, the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre have ignited the careers of many notable performers, all of whom attended high school in New Jersey.
To celebrate its 20-year milestone, the 2015 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards will be broadcast live online and available on HomeTowne Television. The 2015 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards ceremony presented by the Investors Foundation will take place at Paper Mill Playhouse on Tuesday, June 2, at 7:30pm, featuring presenters from Broadway and beyond and performances from nominated productions. Viewers throughout the world will be able to watch the Rising Star Awards live online using this link: www.hometownetv.org/risingstar.
“Paper Mill Playhouse and HomeTowne Television have had a long-standing partnership as two of the area’s leading not-for-profit organizations,” commented Shayne Miller, Paper Mill’s Director of Press and Public Relations. “We are thrilled to bring this amazing awards program to audiences across the state and beyond. With nearly 100 high schools entered into the competition, we know there are many that would like to see the ceremony and now they can.”
The live broadcast of the 2015 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards ceremony is made possible with support from Ricalton’s Village Tavern, 19 Valley Street in South Orange, Marilyn & Hugo Pfaltz, Davies & Associates and Paul & Lisa Allen.
A rebroadcast of the 2015 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards ceremony will run on HomeTowne Television on Friday, June 5, at 1:00pm, Saturday, June 6, at 7:30pm, and Monday, June 8, at 8:00pm. HomeTowne Television is a local access television station that reaches 32 towns in Essex, Union, Morris and Somerset counties. HomeTowne Television, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, governed by an all-volunteer board of trustees chosen from among the towns of the broadcast coverage area. The 2015 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards ceremony will be available on HomeTowne Television’s website, on-demand feature at www.hometownetv.org.
Among the top nominated high schools for the 2015 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards, Union High School leads with 16 nominations, followed by Columbia High School (Maplewood) and Westfield High School with 14 nominations each, Summit High School with 11 nominations, Hillsborough High School with 9 nominations and Eastern Regional High School (Voorhees) with 7 nominations.
“We are very excited to celebrate this 20-year milestone with the students of New Jersey,” commented Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse’s Producing Artistic Director. “For many New Jersey high schools, the prestigious honor of a Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star nomination is the culmination of their hard work in a high school musical. Many of our Rising Star nominees and winners are now working professionally and have won esteemed industry awards while working in theater and film.”
Past Rising Star nominees and recipients recently appeared on Broadway in Honeymoon in Vegas (Rob McClure), Aladdin (Josh Dela Cruz, Jonathan Schwartz, Kathryn Allison), The Radio City Musical Hall Spring Spectacular (Laura Benanti), Les Misérables (Tony winner Nikki James), Disney’s The Lion King (Jelani Remy), Jersey Boys (Russell Fisher), Phantom of the Opera (Julia Udine), London’s West End production of The Book of Mormon (Jared Gertner); the Public Theatre's Grounded (Anne Hathaway) and 2009 Rising Star winner Julia Knitel recently returned to Broadway in Beautiful: The Carol King Musical to understudy for the role of Carol King.
Paper Mill Director of Education Lisa Cooney explains, "What's happening in high school musical productions here in New Jersey and around the country is remarkable. Programs like the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards raise the bar and create opportunities for student performers and theater technicians to be recognized for their achievements, while giving them access to thousands of dollars in scholarships and professional training. We consistently hear from top-tier colleges and casting directors that a Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award is a significant accolade for an aspiring theater artist.”
The Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards Presented by the Investors Foundation are modeled after the Tony Awards, and Paper Mill Playhouse's program serves the entire state of New Jersey with nearly 100 entered productions from public, private and parochial high schools. Paper Mill Playhouse conceived and created the awards in 1996 to give schools the opportunity to showcase their musical arts programs on a statewide level. The musicals are adjudicated by Paper Mill Playhouse throughout the spring by a group of 70 evaluators, with each school receiving four independent evaluations. Schools nominated for Outstanding Overall Musical and Leading Actor/Actress nominees perform at the event, and award recipients are presented with an engraved crystal award from Tiffany & Co.
“Investors Foundation is proud to present the 20th Annual Rising Star Awards,” said Investors Bank President and CEO Kevin Cummings, who also serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “New Jersey’s high school musical theatre students are incredibly talented, and we are grateful to be a part of an event that allows their accomplishments to be recognized.”
Paper Mill Playhouse also awards $5,000 in scholarships at the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards Presented by the Investors Foundation. Five $1,000 cash scholarships are given to outstanding individual students who plan to continue studying theater performance or technical theater in college. Paper Mill Playhouse is pleased to award a prize of $500 to a school receiving the 2015 Educational Impact Award, which acknowledges a school that successfully connects the musical to the district's curriculum, using the production as a teaching tool for the greater student body and local community. Through the Rising Star “Theatre for Everyone” Inclusion and Access Award and a partnership with VSA New Jersey and The Cultural Access Network of New Jersey, a project of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Paper Mill Playhouse will present a cash award of $1,000 to a school to recognize excellence in the promotion and practice of creative inclusion of students and adults with disabilities as performers, designers, musicians and production staff. Additionally, this award also seeks to recognize and reward a school that takes steps to ensure their performances are accessible to audiences with disabilities.
Lastly, students receiving final nominations in the lead and supporting acting categories receive a scholarship to Paper Mill Playhouse's competitive Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory, a professional training program, which, along with advanced classes in singing, acting and dance, offers the nominees an opportunity to perform on stage at Paper Mill Playhouse in the season finale concert, "New Voices of 2015: Hooray for Hollywood!” on July 31 and August 1.
The 2015 Rising Star Awards Presented by the Investors Foundation are also supported by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Merck Company Foundation and MetLife Foundation.
Rising Star scholarships are made possible by Ruth Bedford in memory of Jane Burgio, Walt Santner in honor of Janet Sovey, and the Douglas Michael Krueger Scholarship Fund Trust. The “Theatre for Everyone” Inclusion and Access is supported by VSA New Jersey and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is grateful for generous contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.
PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theaters. Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
GOP Stars In Philly For Leadership Conference
With less than three weeks to go before the kickoff of the Northeast Leadership Conference, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania is excited to have a dynamic line-up of top-tier speakers.
“This month, the eyes of the political world will be focused on the Northeast Republican Leadership Conference in Philadelphia,” Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason said. “The Northeast Republican Leadership Conference is the premier political event of the year, and we are excited to provide attendees with the opportunity to hear from such esteemed featured speakers.”
Conference activities will begin Thursday, June 18th, with breakout sessions and an evening welcome reception.
On Friday, June 19th, former Senator Rick Santorum will be the featured speaker of the breakfast reception and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be the featured speaker of the Conference’s luncheon reception later that day. Former UN Ambassador John Bolton, Senator Lindsey Graham, Carly Fiorina, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day will be featured speakers during the conference sessions.
On Saturday, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush Karl Rove will be the featured speaker of the breakfast reception and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker will be the featured speaker at the luncheon reception.
In addition to these top-tier speakers, national political experts in the areas of foreign policy, health care, grassroots organizing, fundraising and messaging will be featured on panels throughout the three-day conference.
“John Bolton, Chris Christie, Sharon Day, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, Rick Santorum, Reince Priebus, Karl Rove, Scott Walker and our expert panelists will give attendees the best insight on the growth of our Party in the critical 2015-2016 cycle,” PA GOP Executive Director Bob Bozzuto said.
Be sure to keep checking www.2015leadership.gop for more updates and announcements regarding additional speakers for the Northeast Republican Leadership Conference.
“This month, the eyes of the political world will be focused on the Northeast Republican Leadership Conference in Philadelphia,” Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason said. “The Northeast Republican Leadership Conference is the premier political event of the year, and we are excited to provide attendees with the opportunity to hear from such esteemed featured speakers.”
Conference activities will begin Thursday, June 18th, with breakout sessions and an evening welcome reception.
On Friday, June 19th, former Senator Rick Santorum will be the featured speaker of the breakfast reception and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be the featured speaker of the Conference’s luncheon reception later that day. Former UN Ambassador John Bolton, Senator Lindsey Graham, Carly Fiorina, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day will be featured speakers during the conference sessions.
On Saturday, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush Karl Rove will be the featured speaker of the breakfast reception and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker will be the featured speaker at the luncheon reception.
In addition to these top-tier speakers, national political experts in the areas of foreign policy, health care, grassroots organizing, fundraising and messaging will be featured on panels throughout the three-day conference.
“John Bolton, Chris Christie, Sharon Day, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, Rick Santorum, Reince Priebus, Karl Rove, Scott Walker and our expert panelists will give attendees the best insight on the growth of our Party in the critical 2015-2016 cycle,” PA GOP Executive Director Bob Bozzuto said.
Be sure to keep checking www.2015leadership.gop for more updates and announcements regarding additional speakers for the Northeast Republican Leadership Conference.
Pope: Abortion Is An 'Assault On Human Life'
Saturday morning in the Sala Clementina Pope Francis received in audience the participants in the conference “What science for what life?”, which concluded yesterday in Rome.
“Your service in favour of the human person is important and encouraging”, remarked the Holy Father. “Indeed, protection of life represents a fundamental task, especially in a society afflicted by the negative throwaway logic. … To protect the person, you place two essential actions at the centre: reaching out to encounter, and encountering to support”.
“Christ's love drives us to become servants of the youngest and the elderly, of every man and woman, for whom the primordial right to life must be recognised and protected”, he continued. “The existence of the human person, to whom you dedicate your care, is also your constitutive principle; it is life in its unfathomable depth that is at the origin of and accompanies all scientific progress; it is the miracle of life that always challenges any form of scientific presumption, restoring primacy to wonder and beauty. … We reassert that a just society recognises the primacy of the right to life from conception to natural end. However, I would like us to go beyond this, and to think carefully about the time that joins the beginning to the end. Therefore, recognising the inestimable value of human life, we must also reflect on the use we make of it”.
Francis emphasised that the measure of the progress of a civilisation is “its capacity to protect life, especially in its most fragile phases, rather than the spread of technological tools. When we speak about man, we must never forget all the assaults on the sacredness of human life. The scourge of abortion is an assault on life. Leaving our brothers to die on boats in the Sicilian straits is an assault on life. Death at work due to a failure to respect the minimum safety requirements is an assault on life. Death due to hunger is an assault on life. Terrorism, war, violence are all assaults on life, as is is euthanasia”.
“I encourage you to relaunch a culture of life, that knows how to establish networks of trust and reciprocity, and how to offer prospects of peace, mercy and communion”, he concluded.
“Your service in favour of the human person is important and encouraging”, remarked the Holy Father. “Indeed, protection of life represents a fundamental task, especially in a society afflicted by the negative throwaway logic. … To protect the person, you place two essential actions at the centre: reaching out to encounter, and encountering to support”.
“Christ's love drives us to become servants of the youngest and the elderly, of every man and woman, for whom the primordial right to life must be recognised and protected”, he continued. “The existence of the human person, to whom you dedicate your care, is also your constitutive principle; it is life in its unfathomable depth that is at the origin of and accompanies all scientific progress; it is the miracle of life that always challenges any form of scientific presumption, restoring primacy to wonder and beauty. … We reassert that a just society recognises the primacy of the right to life from conception to natural end. However, I would like us to go beyond this, and to think carefully about the time that joins the beginning to the end. Therefore, recognising the inestimable value of human life, we must also reflect on the use we make of it”.
Francis emphasised that the measure of the progress of a civilisation is “its capacity to protect life, especially in its most fragile phases, rather than the spread of technological tools. When we speak about man, we must never forget all the assaults on the sacredness of human life. The scourge of abortion is an assault on life. Leaving our brothers to die on boats in the Sicilian straits is an assault on life. Death at work due to a failure to respect the minimum safety requirements is an assault on life. Death due to hunger is an assault on life. Terrorism, war, violence are all assaults on life, as is is euthanasia”.
“I encourage you to relaunch a culture of life, that knows how to establish networks of trust and reciprocity, and how to offer prospects of peace, mercy and communion”, he concluded.
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