Re: Death of Terri Schindler Schiavo
March 31, 2005

As we mourn the passing of Terri Schindler Schiavo, we give thanks to God for the gift of her earthly life, and the tremendous witness she gave to the world during her last days. Terri died today not because she was terminally ill, but because she was severely disabled and was deliberately denied the basic sustenance of food and water.

Yet, as is so often the case, this woman's disability drew forth great generosity of spirit and of commitment from the many people who saw clearly that her life was valuable and worth protecting.

I grieve especially for Mrs. Schiavo's parents, brother and sister, who did everything within their power to protect and sustain her earthly life. I pray now that they will feel God's consolation and loving presence in the days ahead and that Mary, the mother of Jesus, who knew well the pain of seeing a child unjustly taken from her, will assist them with her prayers.

May Terri’s death cause us all to recommit ourselves to creating a culture of life where the life of every human person is acknowledged for its dignity and is afforded respect under the law.