IN BRIEF
2318 "In [God's] hand is
the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind"
(Job 12:10).
2319 Every human life, from
the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has
been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy
God.
2320 The murder of a human
being is gravely contrary to the dignity of the person and the holiness of the
Creator.
2321 The prohibition of
murder does not abrogate the right to render an unjust aggressor unable to
inflict harm. Legitimate defense is a grave duty for whoever is responsible for
the lives of others or the common good.
2322 From its conception, the
child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an
end or as a means, is a "criminal" practice (GS 27 # 3), gravely
contrary to the moral law. the Church imposes the canonical penalty of
excommunication for this crime against human life.
2323 Because it should be treated
as a person from conception, the embryo must be defended in its integrity,
cared for, and healed like every other human being.
2324 Intentional euthanasia,
whatever its forms or motives, is murder. It is gravely contrary to the dignity
of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator.
2325 Suicide is seriously
contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth
commandment.
2326 Scandal is a grave
offense when by deed or omission it deliberately leads others to sin.
2327 Because of the evils and
injustices that all war brings with it, we must do everything reasonably
possible to avoid it. the Church prays: "From famine, pestilence, and war,
O Lord, deliver us."
2328 The Church and human
reason assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflicts.
Practices deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal
principles are crimes.
2329 "The arms race is
one of the greatest curses on the human race and the harm it inflicts on the
poor is more than can be endured" (GS 81 # 3).
2330 "Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Mt
5:9).
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