In Brazil, Pope Talks Tough On Abortion

Benedict makes first visit to world's largest Catholic population
By Greg Atwan,  Newser Staff
Posted May 9, 2007 3:50 PM CDT
In Brazil, Pope Talks Tough On Abortion
'   (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict brought the Catholic Church's stern anti-abortion message to Brazil today, weeks after Mexico City legalized the practice and as Brazil faintly contemplates doing the same. The Pope is on his first trip to Latin America—the fastest-expanding corner of his flock, but also one of the most precarious—this week.

As Cardinal Ratzinger, Benedict cracked down on liberation theology in Latin America, and is still known as a staunch conservative; today he threatened to excommunicate Catholic officials who attempt to ease access to abortions, which would include Brazil's health minister and potentially even its president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Pope met with Lula today in São Paolo. (More Pope Benedict XVI stories.)

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