This Letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith deals with the thorny issues surrounding care for the critically ill and those approaching the end of their life. In all too many nations the proposed solution has been to legislate in favour of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Taking the Good Samaritan as an example of care for the sick and dying this document restates the Church’s unequivocal position that “abortion, euthanasia and wilful self-destruction poison human society” and “are a supreme dishonour to the Creator” (no. 27).

In addition, the spiritual accompaniment of a person who chooses to be euthanized must be that of “an invitation to conversion”, and never any gesture “that could be interpreted as approval”.