In Rome, Americans United for Life to Celebrate International Pro-Life Efforts and the Legacy of Pope John Paul II

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Taking part in several international pro-life events, Americans United for Life President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest will be in Rome for meetings public and private, commemorating the extraordinary pro-life record of Pope John Paul II, who will be canonized on April 27. Dr. Yoest will be available for interviews related to the trip, in Rome from April 25 to May 3, or in Washington, D.C. prior. Given time differences and international logistics, request for interview can be e-mailed to [email protected].

"The world was changed as a result of Pope John Paul II's commitment to life and his leadership in articulating a vision in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law," said Dr. Yoest. "Real pro-life leadership results in change. Words become deeds. And those of us gathering in Rome for a series of pro-life events, now work from a stronger foundation because Pope John Paul brilliantly articulated the centrality of  support for the 'fundamental rights of the human person' as the primary duty of civil society."

"As the legal architects of the pro-life movement, Americans United for Life has been inspired by Pope John Paul II's emphasis on the importance of law in shaping community.  The legacy of a more pro-life world can clearly be witnessed from Pope John Paul II's vision, articulated in Evangelium Vitae, where he wrote, 'As far as the right to life is concerned, every innocent human being is absolutely equal to all others. This equality is the basis of all authentic social relationships...' His teaching of this foundational truth continues to inspire the prolife movement today."

Friday, April 25: Dr. Yoest will speak at a conference that commemorates the leadership of Pope John Paul II in advancing pro-life consensus around the world. Also speaking will be AUL board member George Weigel, author of Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II. The daylong event will take place in Rome at Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom and C-FAM. Click here for more details.

Sunday, April 27: Canonization Day of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII.

Saturday, May 3: Mr. Weigel and Dr. Yoest will also be featured during an International Pro-Life Leaders Conferences hosted by LifeSiteNews in partnership with Human Life International and Family Life International New Zealand. It will take place the day before the Italian March for Life in St. Piux X Hall, Rome. Click here for more details.

Sunday, May 4: Italian March for Life.

For interviews, contact [email protected]

SOURCE Americans United for Life