His Holiness John Paul II cordially greets the organizers of and participants in the First International Conference in Defense of Life and Family which, sponsored by the organization "Vida Humana Internacional" in collaboration with "Fundación Ofrece un Hogar" in Panama, which is being held in this city, and encourages them to continue in their worthy purpose of defending the sacred value and dignity of each human life from its beginning until the moment of natural death, and to affirm the right of every human being to see that this, his primary good, is fully respected.

In the same way, he invites them to give of themselves in concrete activities, offering help and adequate assistance to persons and families in difficult situations that favor the joyful acceptance of the invaluable gift of life, and also a diligent follow-up, especially during the years of childhood, so that children may grow with serenity, incorporate themselves into society and experience the great happiness of knowing that they are chosen sons and daughters of God.

With these sentiments, and invoking the intercession of Mary Immaculate, teacher and "incomparable model of how life should be welcomed and cared for" (Evangelium Vitae, 102), the Holy Father offers his prayers so that this conference may be abundantly fruitful, and he sends from his heart to all those who participate in it the implored Apostolic Blessing.