Assistant Secretary Wade Horn Speaks to Bishops at the Vatican

December 2, 2005 - HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Dr. Wade Horn, spoke to 26 Latin American Bishops gathered by the Pontifical Council for the Family at the International House Paulo VI at the Vatican. Dr. Horn's comments highlighted U.S. initiatives to strengthen the family, and Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, the President of the Council, Cardinal Giovanni Batista Re, and Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston were all present.

The major focus was on the role of government and family. "First, we believe that public policy should, at a minimum, do no harm to the family," said Dr. Horn. "Indeed, we believe that public policy should create the conditions that allow the family to thrive and function independent of the state."

"This vision of the family is shared by President Bush, who has not only called upon Americans to 'honor the family,' but maintains the proper role of government is to 'protect institutions of our society,' including the family."

While praising the "heroic" efforts of single mothers to raise children, President Bush stressed the value of strong two-parent marriages, and he launched the Healthy Marriage Initiative. This initiative includes a Hispanic Healthy Marriage component. Within the United States, the Hispanic community is the largest minority and has the highest birth rate, along with an above-average teen pregnancy rate. Created to address the unique cultural, linguistic, demographic, and socio-economic needs of children and families in Hispanic communities, Dr. Horn noted it would improve child well-being by encouraging healthy marriages and strong two-parent families.

Last revised: October 10, 2007