Bush Does Live Teleconference with
Catholic Press Association; Gore Refuses to Be Interviewed

Pro-life Texas Gov George W. Bush appeared on a live teleconference at the Catholic Press Association Convention Friday, May 26, 2000. As part of his prepared remarks, Governor Bush voiced strong pro-life statements. For example, he said,

"I want America to be in the words of Pope John Paul II, 'a hospitable society, a welcoming culture.'...

"Everyday the members of the armies of compassion prove that our worst problems are not hopeless and endless. Everyday they perform miracles of renewal. Wherever we can, we must expand our roles and reach people without changing them or corrupting them. You see, I believe that's the next bold step of social reform. A truly welcoming society must be a culture of life, affirming [that] every person is created in the image and likeness of God. We must appreciate the dignity of life in all its seasons, even the path of the elderly in the twilight of their years, and look toward the day when every child, born and unborn, is welcome in life and protected in law."

Referring to recent attempts by "Catholics for a Free Choice" and other pro-abortion groups to have the Holy See removed as a permanent observer at the United Nations because of its strong opposition to the promotion of abortion in Third World countries, Gov. Bush said,

"In world affairs, the Holy See has long been an influence for the good, and never more than in the last couple of decades. Some groups have been trying to silence that voice in the United Nations. The position of the current administration is unclear. The position of my administration will be very clear and firm: America supports permanent observer status for the Holy See."

In response to questions about whether or not he would sign legislation banning partial-birth abortions and the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court, Gov. Bush said,

"I would sign a ban on partial-birth abortion, and I hope I have an opportunity to do so. And as I have said numerous times...my judges will be judges who will strictly interpret the Constitution of the United States and will not use the bench from which to legislate."

Referring to the late John Cardinal O'Connor, Gov. Bush told the Catholic Press Association,

"Recently I attended the services for John Cardinal O'Connor, one of our country's greatest champions for the weak, the poor and the suffering. He was also a courageous spokesman for the most important things. Last year Cardinal O'Connor said, 'It is my very sincere prayer that if I live for a week, if I live for twenty years, my last breath will be in support for the sacredness of every human life.' As a country, we too, must keep our pledge to the first guarantee of the Declaration of Independence."