Celebrates 23rd Anniversary as Pope and 55 Years as a Priest

Pope John Paul II: Extraordinary Pro-Life Leader

By Ernest L. Ohlhoff, Director of Outreach

Vatican City (October 16) - - Around the world, pro-life leaders heralded the 23rd anniversary of Pope John Paul II's election to head the Catholic Church. His dynamic and steadfast pro-life leadership, his commitment to build a "culture of life" which would defend and protect innocent human life, especially that of the unborn child, has been the cornerstone of his papacy.

A charismatic and dynamic communicator, Pope John Paul II used every possible opportunity to continually remind the world of the Gospel message to protect and defend all innocent human life. His 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) may well be one of the most important pro-life documents ever written. (See page 17.)

The Gospel of Life defines in eloquent detail the inherent right to life of every human being as a sacred gift from God to be nurtured and protected by individuals and society. This encyclical specifically attacks the "culture of death" which has become so prevalent in modern society.

"This culture [of death] is actively fostered by powerful cultural, economic and political currents which encourage an idea of society excessively concerned with efficiency. Looking at the situation from this point of view, it is possible to speak in a certain sense of a war of the powerful against the weak....A person who, because of illness, handicap or, more simply, just by existing, compromises the well-being or life- style of those who are more favored tends to be looked upon as an enemy to be resisted or eliminated. In this way a kind of ' conspiracy against life' is unleashed.

"The original and inalienable right to life is questioned or denied on the basis of parliamentary vote or the will of one part of the people - - even if it is the majority. This is the sinister result of relativism which reigns unopposed: the 'right' ceases to be such, because it is no longer firmly founded on the inviolable dignity of the person, but is made subject to the will of the stronger part. In this way democracy, contradicting its own principles, effectively moves toward a form of totalitarianism...a tyrant state which arrogates to itself the right to dispose of the life of the weakest and most defenseless members, from the unborn to the elderly...."

Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla) was ordained a priest on November 1, 1946, in Krakow, Poland. On October 16, 1978, he was elected the 264th Pope of the Catholic Church. Only six Popes in history have served longer than Pope John Paul II.

In 1996 the National Right to Life Committee honored Pope John Paul II at its Third Annual Proudly Pro-Life Dinner for his extraordinary leadership in support of life.

"Pope John Paul II is a deeply committed friend to the unborn, the elderly, the disabled and the medically dependent," said Wanda Franz, Ph.D., president of National Right to Life. "Under his leadership the Vatican has been a crucial player on the international scene. From Cairo to Beijing the Vatican worked with pro-life leaders from around the world to prevent the expansion of abortion by the United Nations. Pope John Paul II is a good friend and true pro-lifer. We are pleased to congratulate him on his 23 years as Pope and on his 55 years in the priesthood."

One of the most active Popes in the Church's history, Pope John Paul II"s accomplishments include the following:

Issued more than 100 major documents, encyclicals, etc. Convened 8 consistories and 15 synods Canonized 452 saints and proclaimed 1,172 individuals as blessed Presided over 1,000 general audiences attended by more than 16 million people Made 95 foreign trips visiting 128 different countries Oversaw revisions to the Catechism and the 1983 Canon Law.

In addition, he appointed 201 new Cardinals, 130 of whom are under age 80 and could be eligible to vote for a new Pope if a vacancy occurs. There are currently 179 members in the College of Cardinals.