What does the Catholic Church say about euthanasia?

Euthanasia, defined as the act or omission that causes a person’s death to eliminate their suffering, is considered by the Catholic Church to be intrinsically immoral. According to Church teaching, every human life has a unique and irreplaceable 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 homicide gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to respect for the living God, his Creator.”

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 issues of birth control, it underscores the importance of protecting life at all its stages. Paul VI stated that any act that deliberately aims to 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 remained steadfast in the traditional teachings of the Church. In his speeches, he emphasized the importance of caring for and protecting the most vulnerable, rejecting all forms 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 killing of a human person.”

The Pope emphasized that true compassion does not consist of eliminating suffering by eliminating the sufferer, but rather in sharing in the pain and offering love and support. He proposed promoting a “culture of life” in contrast 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, emphasizing that suffering can find meaning in the light of faith. In his encyclical  Spe Salvi  (2007), he reflected on Christian hope in eternal life and the need to accompany the sick with love. He reiterated that palliative care is an ethical way to alleviate suffering, respecting the dignity of the person until the end of life.

Francis (2013-2025): A clear voice against euthanasia

Pope Francis has spoken out against euthanasia and assisted suicide on numerous occasions, calling them “a failure for humanity.” In 2020, he approved the Apostolic Letter  Samaritanus Bonus , a document that reaffirms the Church’s opposition to these practices and advocates for accompanying the sick.

“Euthanasia and assisted suicide are a defeat for everyone. The only humane path is care.”

The Pope insisted that true compassion is manifested in love and closeness towards those who suffer, not in the elimination 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.”

Other articles in this series:

1. Death penalty
2. Abortion
3. Euthanasia