We cannot deny that the Magisterium of the Catholic Church has always been present in the bioethical debate, seeking to enlighten, value and guide our actions to promote a world that is healthier, more caring and attentive to those who suffer[1] . Indeed, since the 1960s, the Church has addressed issues such as contraception, abortion and euthanasia, defending human life from conception to deathnatural [2] . In 1965, the Second Vatican Council, in its declaration “Gaudium et Spes“, also addressed several issues related to bioethics. Bioethics, as a “course systematic study of human conduct in the field of life sciences and health care, examined in the light of values and moral principles” (Encyclopaedia of Bioethics), is of considered by the Catholic Church as a science at the service of the human being that seeks to promote the culture of respect for the dignity of man, valuable from conception to his ultimate end. In fact, rescuing the value of what is human, exalting its sacredness and returning to a more humane science have been, among others, the great challenges of the ChurchCatholic
These challenges have been presented in several official Church documents. In 1968, the then Pope Paul VI published the encyclical “Humanae Vitae“, which reaffirmed the Church’s opposition to artificial contraception. In 1974, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in its “Declaration on Induced Abortion“, declared that abortion is morally unacceptable. In 1995, Pope John Paul II addressed in his encyclical “issues such as abortion, euthanasia and the death penalty “, reaffirming the defence of human life. Later, in 2008, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith addressed issues such as embryo research and in vitro fertilisation in its Instruction “Evangelium VitaeDignitas Personae“, reiterating the importance of distinguishing between gene therapies for curative purposes and genetic manipulations for enhancement. While the Catholic Church has supported gene therapies that seek to cure diseases, it opposes manipulations that seek to alter human characteristicsnon-pathological[3] , as it considers that these practices can lead to unpredictable and ethically consequences .problematic [4]
Another important document to consider is the 2024 “Declaration on Human Dignity” of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which updates the Catholic Church’s teaching on human dignity in the context of scientific and technological advances. Like the other documents already cited, this document reaffirms the importance of protecting the dignity of every person at every stage of life, from conception to natural death. Today, the Church continues to reflect on the new, complex and ever-advancing bioethical challenges posed by scientific and technological advances. With these reflections, based on fundamental principles such as the dignity of the human person, the defence of life and the common good, the Catholic Church seeks always to promote the development of a science at the service of the human being.
In this article, we will address some of the bioethical challenges facing Catholics today. As Catholics, it is crucial that we actively participate in public and academic debates, influencing the discussion of issues such as gene editing, artificial intelligence and the end of life. It is essential to find a balance between scientific advances and ethical principles, ensuring that science and technology are used for the benefit of humanity and the protection of our planet.
In my view, one of the major bioethical challenges for Catholics is artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. While these technologies have the potential to transform our world in positive ways, they also raise serious ethical concerns. The possibility that they could be used for nefarious purposes, such as the creation of autonomous weapons or mass surveillance, is an issue we cannot ignore. Human autonomy, medical decision-making and the use of robots in health care are other issues that require in-depth analysis. The Catholic Church has begun to address these issues, but further work is needed to develop an ethics of AI that is consistent with human dignity and promotes the integral development of the person and society[5]
Another major challenge is genetic manipulation and genome editing. These technologies have the potential to modify the DNA of human embryos and cure genetic diseases. However, germline modification raises serious ethical concerns about the safety and inheritance of genetic changes. The Catholic Church has expressed concern about the possibility of genetic manipulation being used for eugenic purposes or to create “designer babies”, which could lead to inequalities and discrimination[6] . The Church opposes gene editing for non-therapeutic purposes as it is considered to be an attack on human dignity, to alter the nature of life, to carry unpredictable risks, and to divert resources that could be used to address more urgent problems[7] . This approach focuses on protecting the dignity of each person and promoting human welfare in a holistic manner. Genetic manipulation is a complex issue that requires ongoing debate among Catholics.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide are complex issues that have been the subject of much debate in recent years[8] . The Catholic Church opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide, believing that they are an attack on human life, the dignity of the person and the value of suffering[9] . According to the Church, euthanasia and suicide are a “crime against human life” and an “act intrinsically evil” that cannot be justified under any circumstances [10] . As an alternative, the Church promotes holistic care of the sick, accompaniment in the dying process and the search for meaning in suffering[11] . Catholics need to reflect on how to accompany people at the end of life and how to ensure that their rights and dignity are respected.
The Catholic Church defends the right to life from conception to natural death, and opposes abortion, contraception and euthanasia[12] . Catholics, through open dialogue, must continue to work to promote a culture of life that protects the most vulnerable and promotes the dignity of every human person
The Catholic Church is concerned about social justice and equity in access to health care, and denounces the inequalities that exist in the world[13] . As Catholics, we must continue to work to ensure that all people have access to quality health care, regardless of race, religion or social status.
To address bioethical challenges, it is essential that Catholics:
Bioethics, while dealing with complex and constantly evolving issues, remains a reliable ally for Catholics. For this reason, bioethics is central to the mission and life of Catholics.
By Jean Rolex, CM
[1] Rosario, L. (2024). And what is Bioethics? Retrieved from https://es.catholic.net/.
[2] Gudiño Bessone, P. (2018). Abortion, sexuality and bioethics in Vatican documents and encyclicals. Acta bioethica, 24(1), 85-94. https://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S1726-569X2018000100085.
[3] USCCB (2008). Stem cell research and human cloning. Retrieved from https://www.usccb.org/.
[4] Diario de Cuyo (2010). Genetic therapies: the main concern of the Catholic Church. Retrieved from https://www.diariodecuyo.com.ar/.
[5] Dicastery for culture and education (2025). “Antiqua et Nova” Note on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.
[6] Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (2008). “Instruction Dignitas Personae” On some bioethical questions. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.
[7] Ibid,
[8] Ardila, K. (2024). Euthanasia and suicide: Who has the power to decide? Retrieved from https://medicinaysaludpublica.com/.
[9] Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (2020). Letter “Samaritanus Bonus” on the care of persons in the critical and terminal phases of life. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.
[10] Ibid,
[11] John Paul II (1995). Encyclical Letter “Humanae Vitae” on the value and inviolability of life. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.
[12] Ibid,
[13] Francis (2015). Encyclical Letter “Laudato Si” on care for the common home. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.
