Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the sanctity of life "from conception to its natural end,'' speaking against abortion and euthanasia.
"Life is the work of God, and should not be denied to anyone, not even the smallest and defenseless unborn child, especially not when affected by grave disabilities,'' the pontiff said Sunday in his traditional noon blessing, which fell on the day that the Italian Church celebrates life.
The pontiff also warned against legitimizing euthanasia "by masking it with a veil of human compassion.''
Vatican teaching holds that defense of life from conception to natural death rules out abortion and euthanasia. Benedict has also been waging a campaign against any moves by governments to legalize unions other than those between married men and women.-