Pastoral Care of Human Life
Life is always a good. Initiating Processes for a Pastoral Care of Human Life
he 30th anniversary of the Encyclical Letter Evangelium vitae was commemorated on March 25, 2025. To celebrate this milestone, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life published a Pastoral Framework, aimed at initiating ecclesial processes that promote a Pastoral Care of Human Life.
This initiative seeks to protect, promote and uphold human dignity in various cultural and geographical contexts, especially at a time when violations of human dignity are alarmingly widespread.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery, presenting to the Pastoral Framework, emphasized, “Life is always a good” (Evangelium vitae, 31), highlighting the necessity of safeguarding life in all circumstances. He underscored the urgency of establishing a true Pastoral Care of Human Life amidst serious threats to dignity, affecting vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly, and migrants.
The Pastoral Framework emerged from ongoing discussions with bishops, who have consistently stressed the need for renewed efforts to protect human dignity during their “ad limina “ visits to the Holy See. It offers guidance on implementing the synodal method of discernment related to human life issues and aims to inspire dioceses to invest in the education of the laity and to raise awareness among youth about the importance of every human life.
The document is available for free in three languages: English, Italian, Portuguese, and will be soon available also in Spanish and French on the Dicastery’s website, encouraging all members of the Church to engage actively in nurturing a structured Pastoral Care of Human Life.
Images
- Photo by Luma Pimentel on Unsplash
Sources
- Life is always a good. Initiating Processes for a Pastoral Care of Human Life – The new Pastoral Framework of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
- IOANNES PAULUS PP. II Evangelium Vitae – 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, in the year 1995;
- Life is always a good. Initiating Processes for a Pastoral Care of Human Life – Pastoral Framework in five languages;