A Dignified and Responsible Life at the End of Life

The Holy Father delivered an address yesterday to a general assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Life.  The Assembly's theme is "Close by the Incurable Sick Person and the Dying: Scientific and Ethical Aspects".   Several news articles' captions concerned euthenasia.  See, for example, Catholic Online (Vatican Information Service article), Catholic World News, and Catholic News Agency.  I plan to add a link to a full translation when available.

In addition to the issue of euthenasia, the address also spoke to other end-of-life issues, including the dignity of life in the final days of life for those who are poor or alone.  Asia News offered the caption "Pope: Concrete Help Should Be Given to the Families of the Incurably and Terminally Ill".

Here is an excerpt from the Vatican Information Service translation:

"The synergetic efforts of civil society and of the community of believers must ensure not only that everyone is able to live in a dignified and responsible way, but also that they can face moments of trial and of death in the finest condition of fraternity and solidarity, even where death comes in a poor family or a hospital bed."