In this article we begin to examine Pope John Paul II’s presentation of the status of life issues in our times in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae.
‘The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae) is at the heart of Jesus’ message’ (1.1). This opening line of Pope John Paul II’s eleventh encyclical letter makes it clear that Catholics are called to be ‘unconditionally pro-life’ (EV 28.1). This document explains with prophetic force, based on both faith and reason, what this means and why it is an essential aspect of Catholic faith and identity. The fact that this pro-life stance is viewed by many as ‘rigid’ or ‘narrow-minded’ is a reflection of the cultural climate of our times.
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