A rebirth of conscience must come from two sources: first, the effort to know objective truth with
certainty, including the truth about God; and secondly, the light of faith in Jesus Christ, who alone has
the words of Life.(2)

Building an authentic civilisation of love must include a massive effort to educate consciences in the
moral truths which sustain respect for life in the face of every threat against it. In her vigorous
concern for human rights and justice, the Catholic Church is unambiguously committed to protecting
and cherishing every human life, including the life of the unborn. As sent by Christ to serve the weak, downtrodden and defenseless, the Church must speak on behalf of those most in need of protection.
It is a source of comfort that this position is shared by people of many faiths. Those who respect life
must accompany their teaching about the value of every human life with concrete and effective acts
of solidarity to people in difficult situations. Without charity, the struggle to defend life would be
lacking the essential ingredient of the Christian ethic; as Saint Paul writes: "Do not be overcome
by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom 12:2 1).

Violence, in any form, is a denial of human dignity. The question which must be asked is: Who is
responsible? Individuals have a responsibility for what is happening. Families have a responsibility
Society has a heavy responsibility. Everybody must be willing to accept their part of this responsibility,
including the media. Including the media!

I repeat once more - including the media which in part seem to become more aware of the effect they
can have on their audiences. May I ask: who is responsible for the media? Who is responsible?

The Pope has not spoken against human freedom, liberty, especially American liberty. He has spoken
for freedom, for a good use of our freedom. Only a good use of our freedom is real freedom. And the
Pope has not spoken against American civilisation, American television. He has spoken for an authentic promotion of what is civilisation, of what is culture, of what is human dignity.(3)

(1) Holy Mass, World Youth Day, Denver, 8/15/93
(2) Prayer vigil with youth, Denver, 8/14/93
(3) Prayer service with Bishops and people of Denver region, 8/14/93