Description
This Encyclical Letter of Pope John Paul II is the fruit of the cooperation of the Episcopate of every country of the world, and was intended as a precise and vigorous reaffirmation of the value of human life and its inviolability in the face of new threats to human life. It is structured in four chapters.
Chapter I is an extended commentary on the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-15) as the lens through which to understand the ‘culture of death’ has eclipsed the value of human life and the sense of God and of our common humanity. This has at its roots a perverse idea of freedom a form of autonomy which implies absolute power over others.
Chapter II sets out a positive theology of life rooted in the Gospel. This draws on human beings as made in the image of God, mortal life and the gift of eternal life, the reverence and responsibility for life, the dignity of the unborn child and of life in old age.
Chapter III concerns God’s Holy Law and the protection of human life as sacred and inviolable.[53-57] In particular the chapter discusses abortion [58-63, especially ] euthanasia [64-67] and the relationship between the civil law and the moral law [68-74]. On three occasions Pope John Paul II invokes the authority which Christ conferred upon Peter and his Successors, to confirm Catholic teaching that killing the innocent [57] abortion [62] and euthanasia [65] are grave violations of the law of God.
Chapter IV explores what is needed to build a new culture of life, including the role of the family as the ‘sanctuary of life’ and the task of bringing about a transformation of culture.
In addition to abortion and euthanasia the encyclical touches on many other issues including contraception,[13] assisted reproduction,[14] organ donation,[15] and the death penalty.[27,56]
NB This description is not to be understood as a commentary or interpretation. It is provided only as an aid to help find material on particular bioethical topics.
Image: Gov.pl, CC BY 3.0 PL, via Wikimedia Commons
Read on The Vatican web site