What the Church teaches about

» “A moral principle based on the belief that a human being has the right to live and, in particular, should not be unjustly killed by another human being” » It’s not just abortion, it extends to all people

» The Catechism says… » Human life is sacred because in the beginning we are created by God, and we remain forever in a special relationship with Him, who is its sole end » God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being

» Human life must be respected and protected from the moment of conception » From the first moment of existence a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person » The embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being

» Euthanasia is putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying people » Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect » Sick or handicapped people should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible

» God remains the master of all life, we should accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls » Life isn’t ours to dispose of » Suicide is contrary to the love for the living God » But, if one with psychological disturbances, anguish, or fear of hardship, suffering, or torture commits suicide, their responsibility is diminished

» The state has the right to stop the spread of behavior harmful to people’s rights and to the basic rules of society as long as it safeguards the common good » Public authority has the right and duty to inflict punishment depending on the seriousness of the person’s offense » The church does not exclude use of the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of defending human lives against the criminal » If non-lethal means are sufficient, those should be used instead

» We have a right to protect our own right to life » Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to take the life of his aggressor » Those who hold authority have the right to use arms to protect the community and others

» The danger of war always is present » The Church urges all prayer and action so that the divine Goodness may prevent war » All citizens and governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war » Once all peace efforts have failed, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense