It does indicate however, the Vatican stand runs deeper and stronger than the wispy wishes of the barely committed.
The volume of the squeals measure the depth of the truth probe.
........................................
Catholic hospital officials are downplaying the declaration's effect. But some theologians are predicting that patients may feel compelled to leave or avoid Catholic hospitals and nursing homes. That goes especially for elderly people who might normally use a Catholic medical facility but do not want their end-of-life wishes contradicted.
~Snip~
Pope John Paul II gave mixed signals on the issue. In his 1995 encyclical, "Evangelium Vitae," he seemed to endorse the position that a feeding tube was extraordinary, saying, "Certainly the life of the body in its earthly state is not an absolute good for the believer." Yet in 2004 he indicated otherwise.
The lack of clarity, and lobbying by the National Right to Life Committee and others over the Terri Schiavo case in 2005, brought calls from the U.S. Bishops Conference for a ruling. That came last month. And it left little wiggle room.
Coming from perhaps the most powerful Vatican congregation, the declaration carries more weight than a passing statement in a papal speech.
Himes said theologians, not to mention many loyal Catholics, are mystified.
A question of last rights... What if a Catholic hospital doesn't respect your wishes?
8mm
