Pope Benedict XVI defended the excommunication of pro-abortion politicians, when he was flying to Brazil. The Pope affirmed that Mexican bishops are right about the excommunication of politicians who recently legalized abortion in Mexico City.

"The leaders of the Mexican Church are not doing anything new, surprising or arbitrary, they announced publicly what is contained in the law of the Church... which expresses our appreciation for life and the existence of the human being, which is present since the first moment of life", said the Pope to reporters.

Abortion is a controversial subject everywhere, all around the world. The declaration already reached the Italian press, and the head of the Vatican's Press Room, father Federico Lombardi, said that the Pope is not defending the official excommunication of the Mexican politicians (who voted in favor of the legalization of abortion), but only supporting the decision of the Mexican bishops.

BS. I don't buy that - that's nothing but the Vatican's PR department trying to put out the fires caused by the Pope's words. Benedict IS defending the excommunication, and he is entitled to. I'm not Catholic, I don't agree with many of the Catholic Church concepts of life and religion; I don't like very much how they manage their institution. But I respect them, and they have clear rules: if you don't follow the lead, you're out. It's that simple.

If you want to be part of Catholic Church, you must believe whatever they tell you to believe in; and you must act in consequence. And don't tell me it's not like that; haven't you heard about the disappearance of the Limbo? No? Don't get me started on that; you won't like what I have to say. Not even I will like it. Instead, read this great article: The End of Limbo.

Back on the Pope: Benedict said "The Church says life is beautiful, it is not something to doubt but it is a gift even when it is lived in difficult circumstances. It is always a gift,". That was his statement against those who say abortion can save families from a lot of pain and suffering.

Yes, life is a gift, not a threat. But it's so easy to say that, when you don't have starving children running around you! I know, people should be more responsible! But, wait; the Church doesn't allow you to use birth control; so, how can you be responsible, if you're poor and Catholic? Oh, that's right! You just don't have sex, unless you want more children. I had forgot about that.

As I said, the Pope is entitled to excommunicate whoever he believes deserves excommunication. It's a Catholic game, you must play by Catholic rules. You can't really be a "Pro-choice Catholic", because there's no such thing. Either you're Catholic, or you're Pro-choice. The Catholic Church is what it is, and it is how it is. Whether you like it, or not.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva was hoping to avoid the discussion of controversial matters with the Pope, during his visit to Brazil. In the past, Lula has criticized the Church's position about abortion and the use of preservatives, and it's understandable why he doesn't want to "go there". After Benedict's statements on board of the plane, I don't think Lula will be so lucky.

Lula said that "personally, I'm against abortion, but the State should discuss the matter." The President is at risk of being excommunicate, if he eventually approves a law that legalizes abortion.

Brazil is starting to think about the legalization of abortion, and the Church is very aware of that. They sure won't let the world's most populous Catholic country go down that road, without fighting.

What do you think about the Pope's statement?