Pro-Life Group Pushing for Abortion Ban During Pope's Visit to Philly

By Kara Seymour

Philadelphia anti-abortion activists are calling for a ban on the procedure when Pope Frances comes to the city for a visit in September.

Philly Alive, a coalition of evangelicals and Catholics from the pro-life community, said they plan to deliver letters to every abortion clinic in Philadelphia asking them to close during the Pope’s visit.

The activists held a press conference announcing their effort Wednesday in front of Planned Parenthood in downtown Philadelphia, according to a press release.

“There could hardly be a greater insult and disrespect shown to Pope Francis than the brutal taking of innocent life while he is visiting Philadelphia, reaching out to the poor, disenfranchised and sharing the message of God’s love and mercy to all,” Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, said in the release.

Pope Frances has confirmed he will be in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, which is scheduled for Sept. 20 to 27.

The pro-life advocates said they plan to invite Pope Francis to pray with them outside of a Philadelphia abortion clinic during his visit.

Here is an excerpt from the Philly Alive letter, which can be viewed in full by clicking here.

“There could hardly be a greater insult or disrespect shown to Pope Francis than the brutal and violent taking of innocent human life while he is visiting Philadelphia, reaching out to the poor, disenfranchised and sharing the message of God’s love and mercy to all. The eyes of the world will be on America during this historic trip and it would be deeply disturbing to see the abortion industry treat Pope Francis and his message of life and love in such a harsh and hateful way.

It is our hope if the abortion clinics of Philadelphia take this “first step” in not extinguishing innocent life while the Pope is here, it could then provide inspiration for all of us to work together for a society and culture where abortion is unthinkable and we collectively seek justice and dignity for all.

The World Meeting of Families was started by Pope John Paul II in 1994, and past events have been held in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009), and Milan (2012).

The event, which promotes traditional Catholic family values, is expected have a regional economic impact of about $100 million.