Normally the news is dominated by stories of man's inhumanity to man, politicians squabbling with one another while avoiding penetrating discussion of real issues, and the misadventures of celebrities. It's usually pretty depressing.

This past week, however, was different. In the United States, a major story was the papal visit. In the Washington area, the visit of Pope Benedict XVI almost totally dominated the news for the three days he was here.

The news featured a major world figure who talks seriously in his gentle voice about things of eternal significance, and about social issues from a Christian perspective. Not fitting either a liberal or conservative stereotype, he dealt with such root causes as "an increasingly secular and materialistic culture." He showed special concern for the poor and the outcast, and took time to listen to those who had been abused by priests while expressing deep apologies for how the Church failed them. He spoke about issues of social justice and peace without any partisan rancor, but rather from a perspective of one seeking to be faithful to the Gospel message.

Another aspect of the story is the crowds joyfully celebrating the pastoral visit of the world's pre-eminent religious leader. It was good to see masses being joyful about matters of faith, knowing that for many of them it also represented an opportunity to examine and deepen their faith. And the visit had a positive impact on many who are not Catholic never even saw the Pope in person. Several people I know who have been wary of the Roman Catholic faith and doubtful of this particular pontiff were given hope when they heard and/or read of his words and how he conducted himself.

I am not a Catholic, and I don't agree with Pope Benedict on everything. But I thank him for the tremendous positive impact he made while in my country, and wish him the best as he continues to seek to be faithful to the tremendous responsiblity he has accepted.

Dear Bill

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, recently posted two videos on YouTube in which he describes and demonstrates the two most common abortion procedures, using plastic fetal models, the actual instruments of abortion, and the words found in medical textbooks and court testimony.

You can view these videos at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us_y9GP_-DA (Dismemberment abortion)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBOAPleF1t0 (Suction abortion).
These videos are part of a new project called, "Is This What You Mean?" It aims to educate the public about the nature of abortion and to challenge public officials and candidates who support the legality of abortion to admit what it is. A full description of the project is at www.priestsforlife.org/action/abortion-procedure-revealed.htm.
I am requesting that you post links on your blog to these two videos and/or to the full explanation of this powerful project.
We in the pro-life community have been fed up for a long time with “public servants” who can’t seem to tell the difference between serving the public and killing the public. This election season, it’s time for that to change. No matter what politicians or voters or Church officials are or are not going to do, it’s time that we who know what abortion is, draw a line in the sand and give candidates and office-holders alike this challenge.
If you will help spread the word by posting these links please email webmaster@priestsforlife.org.

Thank you for taking the time to read this important message.