The Catholic Sun :: Phoenix Diocesan Newspaper

While many of their classmates rushed out of class to begin their weekend, a few Xavier College Preparatory students stayed late one Friday afternoon to listen to a pro-life message.

Fr. Giacomo Capoverdi of Priests for Life, a Catholic pro-life organization, spoke about “real feminism,” offering women pro-life options and forgiveness Feb. 16.

“We don’t want to be judgmental toward those who have abortions, but merciful,” Fr. Capoverdi said. “People who have abortions feel trapped, frightened, threatened. We need to be there for them.”

Fr. Capoverdi offers support to women while praying in front of abortion clinics.

“We need to help that woman know that she has options,” he said. He said women need to know there’s help with medical costs and clothing.

Early formation

Fr. Capoverdi’s strong pro-life stance comes from his family upbringing.

In 1964, his mother discovered she was pregnant with him while his father was in the hospital and unemployed. While it was illegal at the time, a family member approached his mother about having an abortion.

His mother quickly dismissed the thought.

“God will take care of anyone who asks Him, who trusts Him,” Fr. Capoverdi said, urging the students to go out and share that hope with others.

“Still a minority of the students are pro-choice,” said Gina Iker, one of the moderators of the Xavier Right to Life group, which organized Fr. Capoverdi’s visit. The group also organizes a monthly pro-life rosary outside an abortion clinic.

Senior Alicia Gilbert, president of the Right to Life club, is looking forward to discussing Fr. Capoverdi’s talk with her classmates.

“There were definitely points where it was really intense,” she said. “You could tell most of the girls were really listening because they were quiet.”

Fr. Capoverdi has been working with Priests For Life full time since 2005, traveling the country raising awareness of the importance of working to end abortion. He also spoke at St. Mary’s High School and Queen of Peace Parish during his visit to the Valley.