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Catholicism allows no 'wiggle room'; The church stands firmly opposed to all abortions

Pope John Paul II opposed the war on Iraq, urged restraint in the global response to terrorism and implored American politicians to spare the lives of death row inmates.

So why has the stance of Roman Catholic politicians on abortion become a touchstone?

Experts on Catholicism say the abortion focus is driven by a mix of theology, internal church debates over what defines a true Catholic and an imperative to respond to the top public issues of the day.

Abortion is a central concern because opposition to the procedure is based on the church's earliest teachings about preserving human life - which have not changed even as church positions have wavered on other issues, experts say.

"There is no ...

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