What does the Catholic Church say about euthanasia?
Euthanasia, defined as the action or omission that causes the death of a person to eliminate his suffering, is considered by the Catholic Church to be an intrinsically immoral act. According to the teaching of the Church, each human life has a unique and unrepeatable value because it is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, euthanasia violates human dignity and contradicts the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 2277) emphasizes that “whatever its form or motives, euthanasia constitutes a homicide gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to respect for the living God, his Creator.”
The Church promotes palliative care as an ethical and compassionate alternative to alleviate the suffering of sick people, always respecting their life and dignity.
The last five Popes on euthanasia
Paul VI (1963-1978): A defender of the sanctity of life
Pope Paul VI, in documents such as the encyclical Humanae Vitae (1968), reaffirmed the inviolability of human life from conception to natural death. Although this document focuses primarily on birth control issues, it underlines the importance of protecting life at all stages. Paul VI noted that any act that seeks to deliberately end a human life is morally unacceptable.
John Paul I (1978): Brief but clear in defense of life
Despite his brief pontificate of only 33 days, Pope John Paul I stood firm on the traditional teaching of the Church. In his speeches, he stressed the importance of caring for and protecting the most vulnerable, rejecting any form of euthanasia as contrary to God’s law.
John Paul II (1978-2005): A tireless defender of life
Pope John Paul II dedicated much of his pontificate to defending human life in all its forms. In his encyclical Evangelium Vitae (1995), he declared:
“Euthanasia is a grave violation of God’s law, as it is the deliberate and morally unacceptable elimination of a human person.”
The Pontiff stressed that true compassion does not consist in eliminating suffering by eliminating the sufferer, but in sharing the pain and offering love and support. He proposed the promotion of a “culture of life” as opposed to the “culture of death” that considers euthanasia an acceptable solution.
Benedict XVI (2005-2013): The importance of palliative care
Pope Benedict XVI continued the teaching of his predecessors, stressing that suffering can find meaning in the light of faith. In his encyclical Spe Salvi (2007), he reflected on the Christian hope for eternal life and the need to accompany the sick with love. He reiterated that palliative care is an ethical way of alleviating suffering, respecting the dignity of the person until the end of his or her life.
Francis (2013-present): A clear voice against euthanasia
Pope Francis has spoken out on numerous occasions against euthanasia and assisted suicide, calling them “a failure for humanity.” In 2020, he approved the Samaritanus Bonus Letter, a document that reaffirms the Church’s opposition to these practices and advocates for the accompaniment of the sick:
“Euthanasia and assisted suicide are a defeat for everyone. The only human path is care.”
The Pontiff has insisted that true compassion is manifested in love and closeness to those who suffer, not in the taking of their lives.
Alternatives proposed by the Church
The Catholic Church promotes a “culture of care” that prioritizes human dignity and accompaniment. Palliative care is presented as an ethical and compassionate solution for those facing terminal illnesses, offering relief from physical pain and emotional and spiritual support.
In the words of Pope Francis:
“Pain is never overcome by death, but by love.”
