Schiavo Facing a Cruel Death, Says Vatican Official

"I must confirm the moral judgment which does not change: It is an illicit and grave act," Bishop Sgreccia told Vatican Radio.

"It is especially grave, as it seems that the decision over a person's life or death today is a court issue," he said.

Bishop Sgreccia explained that the decision of the U.S. justice "is not euthanasia in the literal sense of the term; it is not a 'good death,' it is a death that is induced in a cruel way. It is not a medical act. It is about taking water and food away to cause death."

Bishop Elio Sgreccia is the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.