The Church’s Stance on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Clarification
Assisted suicide and euthanasia have been topics of ongoing debate, with the Church consistently maintaining its opposition to both practices. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, recently addressed these issues in response to the “Small Lexicon on the End-of-Life,” a glossary published by the Vatican Publishing House.
Amid media reports suggesting a shift in the Church’s stance, Archbishop Paglia emphasized that the Church’s position remains rooted in decades of papal and Church teaching. He emphasized the importance of defending the right to life for every individual, particularly the most vulnerable, while advocating for collaboration with political entities on end-of-life matters.
During a recent audience with Pope Francis, Archbishop Paglia presented a copy of the “Lexicon.” Pope Francis reiterated his support for the Pontifical Academy for Life’s work, reaffirming the need to defend life at all stages. He emphasized the importance of countering the “throwaway culture” that devalues life and autonomy.
The “Lexicon” addresses complex issues surrounding end-of-life care, including the permissibility of suspending certain treatments under specific circumstances. However, the Church’s opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide remains unwavering.
While acknowledging the inevitability of death, Archbishop Paglia stressed the importance of providing compassionate care to individuals in their final stages. The Church aims to form consciences and promote reflection on end-of-life issues, rather than dictate legislative policies.
Ultimately, the Church advocates for a holistic approach to end-of-life care, emphasizing the need for collaboration between faith-based perspectives and legislative frameworks to uphold the dignity of every human life.
As believers, we are called to accompany one another in times of vulnerability, recognizing that death is not the final word. By fostering a culture of respect for life, we can work towards a society that values the inherent dignity of every individual.
Let us embrace the challenge of caring for one another in times of fragility, knowing that our actions can reflect the love and compassion of a higher power beyond this earthly realm.
