Absolute opposition to assisted suicide and euthanasia, defence of the right to life, especially of the weakest; necessary evaluation of disproportionate treatments, greater attention to the sick, collaboration between Church and politics on issues relating to the end of life.
Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, clarifies some points in the “Piccolo lessico del fine vita (Little Lexicon of the End of Life)”, an 88-page glossary published by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV) on the highly ethical issues related to the debate on the end of life: from euthanasia and assisted suicide to palliative care and cremation.
Published in early July, the glossary is back in the spotlight these days after some newspapers highlighted what are supposedly “openings” on the part of the Holy See.
In reality, Monsignor Paglia explained to the Vatican media, these are indications that have their roots in the last seventy years of the Magisterium of the Popes and of the Church.
The archbishop handed a copy of the Lexicon to Pope Francis yesterday morning, August 8, who received it in audience at the Apostolic Palace.
You met the Pope yesterday and gave him the “Small Lexicon on the End of Life.” What did Francis, who has always insisted on defending life in all phases of its development, say about this?
“Pope Francis reiterated his appreciation for the work carried out by the Pontifical Academy for Life. Certainly the issue of the end of life is complex and the Church has on its side a rich Magisterium, from Pius XII in 1957 until today.”
“Life must be defended throughout our entire existence, not just at certain particular moments. Above all, the right to life must be defended, and in particular the life of the weak, in order to counteract that throwaway culture that hides behind the pretense of self-sufficiency and autonomy of today’s women and men,” he said.— Vatican News
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2024-08-19 19:42:56
