Evangelium Vitae

On the Value and Inviolability of Human Life

St. John Paul II1995-03-25Current

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Overview

Proclaims the dignity of every human life and analyzes threats to life, conscience, civil law, family, and solidarity.

Why This Document Matters

It is a central modern reference for Catholic teaching on abortion, euthanasia, the culture of life, and responsibility for the vulnerable.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John Paul II in 1995, this papal encyclical addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Papal Encyclical
Authority class: Papal encyclical
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1995-03-25

Authoritative papal teaching; the weight of individual statements depends on their wording, subject, continuity, and intent.

Key Points

Human Dignity & LifeMoral TheologySocial Teaching

Major Themes

Human Dignity & LifeMoral TheologySocial Teaching

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Evangelium Vitae

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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