Non-negotiable values, as they are called, are at the centre of all of Francis’ actions. Many have noticed this change of tone in recent Church history; some circles are happy about it, others are really not.
This does not mean Francis shies away from addressing controversial elements of Catholic bioethics when the subject comes up. He did so recently in a message to Catholics in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, on the occasion of the Day for life which will be celebrated on different dates between 28 July and 6 October.
In his message, the Pope stressed the “inestimabile value of all human life”: “Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live for ever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect,” Francis wrote.
The message has been sent on the very day Queen Elizabeth gives royal approval to same-sex marriages in England and Wales. The law had received strong backing from Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron and was approved in Parliament yesterday.
“Calling to mind the teaching of Saint Irenaeus that the glory of God is seen in a living human being, the Holy Father encourages all of you to let the light of that glory shine so brightly that everyone may come to recognise the inestimable value of all human life.
Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live for ever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect. His Holiness prays that the Day for Life will help to ensure that human life always receives the protection that is its due, so that “everything that breathes may praise the Lord,” the message reads.
The theme of the Day, ‘Care for Life – It’s Worth It’ is taken from a homily preached by Cardinal Bergoglio in 2005 during a Mass in honour of the protector of Pregnant Women, Saint Raymond Nonnatus. He was an 18th century Spanish cleric who, according to tradition, was extracted alive from the body of his mother who had died the day before.