In a powerful defense of life and natural law, Bishop Antonio Suetta of Ventimiglia-San Remo pushed back against critics who labeled his pro-life initiative “patriarchal” and accused him of shaming women. Suetta’s message was clear: abortion is not a civil right, but a grave moral wrong.
The controversy stems from a daily bell tolling in Sanremo at 8 p.m. to commemorate unborn children lost to abortion. Critics, including Italy’s largest union CGIL, blasted the gesture as ideological and insensitive. Suetta, however, explained that the bell is not intended to condemn anyone, but to awaken consciences to the sacredness of life — a principle he calls “sacrosanct.”
Suetta stressed that life is not a commodity to be discarded, and that true mercy begins with protecting innocent, defenseless human beings. He reminded audiences that the Church walks with women in crisis, offering support and compassion to those facing fear or post-abortion trauma.
Most pointedly, the bishop rejected the claim that abortion should be treated as a right. In the face of international pressure — including efforts to enshrine abortion in Western constitutions — he stated unequivocally: “It is not a right; it is a crime.” Suetta warned that elevating abortion to a supposed emblem of emancipation reflects a cultural collapse of reason and a rejection of fundamental human dignity.
The bell, Suetta affirmed, will continue to toll every day as a permanent witness to life and a call for clarity and courage in speaking truth. He stressed that pastoral care demands not only compassion, but also fearless proclamation of the objective moral order.
Discussion about this post