VATICAN CITY — The Vatican says Pope Benedict XVI told U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi today that Catholic politicians have a duty to protect life "at all stages of its development."

Pelosi is a Catholic who supports abortion rights.

The Vatican released remarks made by the pope to Pelosi at a closed-door meeting today, saying Benedict spoke of the church's teaching "on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death." That is an expression often used by the pope when expressing opposition to abortion.

Pelosi could not immediately be reached after the 15-minute meeting.

A number of bishops in the United States have questioned her stance on abortion.