“Each of us has a mission, each of us is called to change the world, to work for a culture of life, a culture forged by love and respect for the dignity of each human person.”
– Benedict XVI, “Ad limina” address to U.S. Bishops, November 26, 2011
In John 10:10, Jesus clearly and simply explains his mission: I came so that all might have life and have it to the full. This verse refers both to our hope of eternal life and to our life in this world.
We have a responsibility as Catholics to care for and value every life in this world, especially those who are weak, defenseless and marginalized.
The preventable “disease” that is an unborn child, the aging parent “burden” on our medical system, the “excess” embryo in the fertility clinic, the disabled person, the cognitively impaired accident victim in need of feeding assistance—today, they are at risk of being dismissed as lives unworthy of living.
Our Church has continuously proclaimed the inherent value and dignity of life at every stage and condition, whether we’re talking about contraception, embryo research, persons with disabilities, reproductive technologies, the death penalty, or assisted suicide and euthanasia. We support public policy that respects the dignity and nature of the human person.
The National Catholic Bioethics Center
USCCB Reference List for Church Teaching on Life Issues
ISSUES
Catholic End-of-Life Care Decisions
