The Vatican (LifeNews.com) -- Pope Benedict XVI told a delegation of politicians in Rome for a meeting of the European People's Party that the Catholic Church's main public policy thrust is the protection of human life from atrocities like abortion, euthanasia and human cloning. He said he hoped pro-life principles would become the bedrock of law throughout Europe.

"As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, the principal focus of her interventions in the public arena is the protection and promotion of the dignity of the person," he said.

"[S]he is thereby consciously drawing particular attention to principles which are not negotiable," the pope added, referring to the church's pro-life stance.

The pontiff called on the elected officials to defend human life "in all its stages, from the first moment of conception until natural death."

Pro-life principles "are not truths of faith, even though they receive further light and confirmation from faith," the pontiff added. "[T]hey are inscribed in human nature itself and therefore they are common to all humanity."

The head of the Catholic Church told the politicians that Christian faith "conveys values that are fundamental for the good of society" and "the European Union can only be enriched by engaging with it."

He called on the lawmakers to reject the society that is developing that causes people to say Christians should keep their pro-life views to themselves.

The pope's remarks came 10 days before a general election in Italy that is revolving around the issue of abortion.

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, head of the Italian bishops' conference, said the Catholic Church is not endorsing any candidates but encourages voters to keep in mind church teachings on issues like abortion when considering their votes.

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Read the full address from Pope Benedict