Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Public debate on end-of-life issues appears to be increasing as states and nations consider new bioethics laws, partly due to social media, according to the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia noted that increased participation in these debates is positive because facing the final stages of life is a universal concern.

However, Archbishop Paglia emphasized that widespread debate often leads to errors and confusion regarding end-of-life terminology. To address this issue, the academy has created an 80-page booklet titled "lexicon," aimed at helping Catholics navigate complex discussions. The booklet provides definitions based on the latest science, theological perspectives on end-of-life issues, an overview of church teaching evolution, and current Italian law.

Released by the Vatican publishing house on July 2 and distributed to every bishop in Italy, the lexicon is intended for priests, deacons, religious individuals, and healthcare professionals. Archbishop Paglia stated that its goal is to clear through “the jungle of intricate issues” by presenting clear terminology so that discussions can start from a common understanding.

The booklet examines various end-of-life topics through a Catholic lens, connecting them with fundamental tenets such as life’s Christian meaning, death, freedom, responsibility, and care. One key tenet highlighted is freedom as a gift from God that should be exercised responsibly.

Issues covered include vegetative states and comas; cremation; palliative care; euthanasia; intensive care for terminally ill infants; organ donation; life-sustaining care; aggressive medical treatment suspension; ordinary means of preserving life; and advanced directives including living will templates.

The experts who compiled the book drew heavily from teachings by St. John Paul II and Pope Francis as well as documents from the Dicastery of the Doctrine for the Faith. While there are no new teachings per se in the booklet, it offers concise faith-based explanations within current legal contexts.

For instance, concerning euthanasia legalization risks beyond intentional human life violation: it could undermine doctors' roles in preserving lives and reduce support for natural death assistance while pressuring people into choosing euthanasia to avoid burdening their families or society.

The aim of medical treatment at life's end includes mitigating pain so patients can communicate and maintain relationships. Contrary to misconceptions about Christianity celebrating pain as redemptive suffering alleviation is both a professional duty and an act of Christian charity.

The booklet underscores maintaining dialogue between patients and healthcare providers along with family members’ involvement in decision-making processes. It stresses autonomy must exist relationally with others where informed communication fosters shared ethical decisions about treatment changes.

Archbishop Paglia concluded that open dialogue should underpin today’s debates on end-of-life issues rather than partisan ideologies ensuring authentic solutions respecting human dignity emerge from sincere engagement by all sides involved.