Italian bishops ask that human dignity be respected at all stages of life

The bishops of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) met in Rome on May 27 in their Permanent Episcopal Council, in which they underlined the need to protect human dignity at all stages of life.

After last Tuesday Italian Constitutional Court claimed from Parliament a law that regulates “assisted suicide”, the prelates urged that the infinite dignity of the person, “from their conception to their natural death”, is always protected and promoted, in all stages.

Especially in the moments of greatest vulnerability, underlining the child’s primary interest “of being included in a parental project that includes the maternal and paternal figure.”

They also asked to ensure that “the terminal moment of life is lived with dignity in love care and accompaniment.” To do this, they requested the full application of the Palliative Care Law.

The urgency of the high fire

Another of the most outstanding conclusions of this meeting has been the call to a high fire to avoid the drama of the war, “which tragically unites various parts of the world”, especially in Ukraine and in Gaza.

The prelates denounce the “unacceptable price” that they are paying entire populations, reiterating the need for human rights to be guaranteed, as read in the Final statement disseminated after the meeting.

The president of the CEI, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, also reiterated the urgency of a concrete commitment for a peace that, as defined by Pope Leo XIV, is “unarmed and disarming.”

In this sense, the Permanent Council confirmed the availability of the Church in Italy “to promote and sustain any effort to silence arms, release hostages and find appropriate political solutions so that each people can live safely.”

Regarding the tragedy that is lived every day in the Gaza Strip, the bishops joined the Holy Father to ask that “the dignity of the people is respected, the entry without restrictions of help is allowed, humanitarian corridors are opened” since the international community is activated to end hostilities.

In addition, they directed a special invitation to the faithful to penance and prayer for peace, trusting the “breath” of the Holy Spirit in a historical moment “marked by wars and discords.”

Synod and hope for prisoners

They also discussed the continuation of the Synod Camino after the results of the Second Synod Assembly and the consequent postponement of the General Assembly.

For Italian bishops, the Synodal Assembly, which took place from March 30 to April 3, was “a living and creative experience of the churches in Italy”, stressing that “the debate did not weaken in any way the ability to project.”

It was also recalled that the work of the study groups produced dozens of observations, “integrations and amendments that are currently being studied.”

The text will vote again in November and include issues such as “the mission with close style, training for life and faith, and co -responsibility in the participation and management of structures.”

A space was also dedicated to reflecting on the situation of prisons, remembering that in the framework of the jubilee they asked for “initiatives that return hope”, as forms of amnesty or pardon.

In this way, they called to apply alternative measures and provisions of clemency, “together with a change of policy that promotes human dignity, promoting in prison education and redemption.”