Encyclicals and Statements

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The pro-life cause is helped by the vision of our Catholic leaders. Highlighted on this page are encyclicals from Pope John Paul II and Pope Paul VI, as well as the Nov. 1998 Statement on Life issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 

Evangelium Vitae: The Gospel of Life

Perhaps the most eloquent proclamation of the dignity and value of human life is Pope John Paul II's 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life). This document clearly presents the Catholic position on current life issues, including abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, the relationship between civil and moral law, the responsibilities of politicians and voters, and the "civilization of love." In addition to the full text of this document, a Study Guide to Evangelium Vitae is available online and as a printed booklet through the Catholic Information Service.

 

Humanae Vitae: On the Regulation of Birth

In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued the prophetic encyclical Humanae Vitae. This encyclical is a beautiful statement on the procreative and unitive meaning of marriage and the inseparability of life and love. Pope Paul VI accurately forecast the moral chaos that would ensue as society adopted a contraceptive mentality.

 

The U.S. Bishops in Defense of Life

In 1998, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a Statement on Life that calls Catholics to transform society according to the Gospel of Life.