The Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Mennini, has shared his concern over the “sensitive issue” of the Assisted Dying Bill with the Bishops of England and Wales ahead of their plenary meeting in Leeds.
The Nuncio, Pope Francis’ representative in the UK, addressed the Bishops on the eve of their bi-annual plenary meeting taking place at Hinsley Hall, Leeds between 5-8 May 2014.
Focusing on the need to proclaim the dignity of human life, Archbishop Mennini quoted the Holy Father’s message to mark last year’s Day for Life, describing the weak, vulnerable, sick, old and the unborn as “masterpieces of God’s creation”.
“May I encourage each one of you to announce the Gospel of Life among our People, as well as in Society in general, presenting the reality which hides behind the ‘nice’, ‘politically correct’ and ‘compassionate’ expression ‘assisted dying’.”
To this end, he commended the resources released earlier this year by the Bishops’ Conference Department for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship Sense and Nonsense on ‘Assisted Dying’.
The Nuncio also assured the bishops of the Holy Father’s support for the International Affairs department’s work in building networks to combat Human Trafficking – in particular the major conference held in Rome in April.
You can read the full text of His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Mennini’s address to the bishops by clicking on the link in the top right-hand corner of this page.
