The Archives

The Sanctity of Life

If he who destroys what is conceived in the womb by abortion is a murderer, how much more is he unable to excuse himself of murder who kills a child even one day old.

-Stephen V, Epistle to Arbishop of Mainz, September 14, 887

Human life is sacred - all men must recognize that fact. From its very inception it reveals the creating hand of God. Those who violate His laws not only offend the divine majesty and degrade themselves and humanity, they also sap the vitality of the political community of which they are members.

- John XXIII, Mater et Magistra, May 51, 1961

The transmission of human life is the result of a personal and conscious act, and, as such, is subject to the all-holy, inviolable and immutable laws of God, which no man may ignore or disobey.

- John XXIII, Mater et Magistra, May 15, 1961

However serious and disturbing the phenomenon of the wide-spread destruction of so many human lives, either in the womb or in old age, no less serious and disturbing is the blunting of the moral sensitivity of people's consciences.

- John Paul II, on Combating Abortion and Euthanasia, May 19, 1991

The twentieth century will have been an era of massive attacks on life, an endless series of wars and a continual taking of innocent human life. False prophets and false teachers have had the greatest success.

- John Paul II, Christ Alone Gives Life, August 14, 1993