VATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict XVI says the Catholic church in the U.S. will continue to try to shape consciences on issues such as abortion and euthanasia.
The pope told Washington's new ambassador to the Vatican on Friday that he is confident both sides will keep cooperating in promoting human dignity and rights.
President Barack Obama chose Hispanic theology Professor Miguel H. Diaz as his envoy to the Holy See. Diaz, a Catholic, presented his credentials to Benedict and praised him for emphasizing "moral imperatives."
Benedict says the church backs the right of U.S. health care workers to be conscientious objectors on right-to-life issues. U.S. bishops are among leaders of anti-abortion initiatives there.
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