By Fr. Shenan J. Boquet, Human Life International - Let us take encouragement from the words of Pope St. John Paul II to a group of Italian pro-life activists in 1998: “Dear brothers and sisters of the Pro-Life Movement, persevere in your courageous efforts!” he exhorted his listeners. “Every sacrifice and every hardship will be compensated by the smile of the many children who, thanks to you, can enjoy the priceless gift of life. I warmly encourage you to make every effort so that everyone’s right to life will be recognized and an authentic democracy, inspired by the values of the civilization of love, will be built.”