The main purpose of the Holy Father's visit to our country was stated by the Holy Father himself at the prayer service with Bishops of the United States at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington, D.C., where he said, "I appreciate the unfailing commitment of the Church in America to the cause of life and that of the family, which is the primary reason for my present visit." The Holy Father underscored this message in his address to Congress, saying, "Let us remember the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' (Mt 7:12). This Rule points us in a clear direction... . The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development." This message is very timely as we observe Respect Life Month during this month of October.