Pope condemns abortion drugs and recognition of gay unions

Pope Benedict XVI condemned abortion drugs today because they hid the “gravity” of taking a human life.

It was also wrong to give legal recognition to gay unions, he said in a speech to Italian officials.

Benedict reaffirmed church teaching on abortion and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman during an audience with officials from Rome and the surrounding Lazio region – touching on two major issues on Italy's political agenda ahead of general elections in April.

Benedict said pregnant women, particularly those in difficult situations, needed concrete help and said officials should “avoid introducing drugs that in some way hide the gravity of abortion, as a choice against life".