Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Abortion “can never be justified.” The “direct destruction of an innocent human life” is inadmissible, “however difficult the circumstances that may lead some to consider taking such a grave step,” but the Christian “community should be open to welcome back all who repent of having participated” to such a great sin.

Benedict XVI reiterated the Church’s opposition to abortion, pointing the finger at the “agencies promoting abortion” whilst recommending an attitude of openness towards those who repent.

The Pope made these remarks to the bishops representing the Bishops’ Conference of Kenya whom he met this morning in the Sala del Concistoro for their quinquennial visit “ad Limina Apostolorum”.

“[I]t is a matter of great concern that the globalised secular culture is exerting an increasing influence on local communities as a result of campaigns by agencies promoting abortion,” said the Pope in order to stress the importance of family life. “This direct destruction of an innocent human life can never be justified, however difficult the circumstances that may lead some to consider taking such a grave step.”

“When you preach the Gospel of Life,” he said, “remind your people that the right to life of every innocent human being, born or unborn, is absolute and applies equally to all people with no exception whatsoever.”

Because of such a view, the “Catholic community must offer support to those women who may find it difficult to accept a child, above all when they are isolated from their family and friends,” and “the community should be open to welcome back all who repent of having participated in the grave sin of abortion, and should guide them with pastoral charity to accept the grace of forgiveness, the need for penance, and the joy of entering once more into the new life of Christ.”