Pro-life leaders expressed shock after Pope Francis praised the “Margaret Sanger” of Italian politics.

In an interview early in February the Pope called former Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino one of the nation’s “forgotten greats.” Bonino for decades has been known as Italy’s most outspoken abortion-rights activist.

In his interview with the Italian daily Corriere Della Serra, the Pope acknowledged that his praise, in which he compared her to historical figures such as Konrad Adenauer, who was the first post-world War II chancellor of Germany, and the famed French statesman Robert Schuman, could be considered controversial.

He noted she has critics but dismissed them, saying, “True, but never mind. We have to look at people, at what they do.” He also praised her work and advice in dealing with Africa. Read full report