VATICAN - THE POPE’S REFLECTION AT THE ANGELUS: "THE FAMILY NUCLEUS, FORMED THROUGH MATRIMONY, IS THE FIRST CELL OF SOCIETY. WITHIN THE FAMILY, LIKE IN A REASSURING NEST, LIFE MUST ALWAYS BE PROMOTED, DEFENDED AND PROTECTED ”

Vatican City (Fides Service) – The theme of life and the family was the focus of the address given by Pope John Paul II before the Angelus prayer and blessing of the crowds on Sunday February 1st. In fact in many parts of the world local Churches celebrate the Day for Life on the first Sunday in February. The theme chosen for the day this year by the Italian Bishops was "Without Children there can be no Future”. Quoting this year’s message for the Day issued by the Bishops of Italy, the Pope said the message highlights “the many causes for the present crisis in the number of births” and “very often the cultural and social context does not help parents and the mission of parents.”
Pope John Paul II underlined the need for more concrete assistance for families on the part of public institutions and commitment to protecting life: “no few couples would like another child but they are almost forced to renounce because of economic reasons... The family nucleus, formed through matrimony, is the first cell of society. Within the family, like in a reassuring nest, life must always be promoted, defended and protected and today’s Day for Life reminds everyone of this fundamental duty.”
Lastly the Pope encouraged those present in St Peter’s Square and those listening over the radio or watching television not to be resigned to “attacks on life, abortion first of all” and to increase efforts “that the right to life of the unborn child may be affirmed not against the mother but with the mother.” After the prayer the Holy Father greeted hundreds of young immigrants who had come to Rome from the diocese of Caserta near Naples and those who are working to solve their many and sometimes serious problems, often the cause of suffering and discomfort .(S.L.) (Fides Service 2/2/2004 – lines 19; words 269)