With a heavy heart, I acknowledge the passage of the Assisted Dying Bill through Parliament. This moment marks a grave turning point for our nation’s understanding of life, dignity, and care.
Together with my deep disappointment at the vote earlier this week to decriminalise abortion, these decisions represent a profound failure to uphold the sanctity of human life at all stages. They reflect a troubling shift away from protecting the most vulnerable—unborn children, the terminally ill, the disabled, and the elderly—and toward a society that places subjective judgments of suffering above the intrinsic dignity of every human person.
It must be said plainly: without the right to life—the most basic, foundational human right—no other rights can stand. When society denies the right to life, it nullifies the very basis of justice and the entire framework of human rights protections. This is the true cost of these votes.
I stand in solidarity with the many medical professionals, disability advocates, faith leaders, and citizens who believed the bill was not fit for purpose, raising serious concerns about its safeguards, its ethical implications, and the risks it poses to vulnerable individuals.
While I hold deep compassion for those who suffer and face the profound challenges of terminal illness, I must reiterate that permitting the state’s involvement in ending life diminishes the inherent worth of each individual and risks pressuring the vulnerable to choose death over care.
True compassion calls us to accompany those who suffer, to provide better palliative care, and to uphold a culture of life.
In the days and years ahead, I pledge to continue advocating for those most at risk, to support families and carers, and to call our society back to a vision that cherishes every life as sacred and inviolable.
May God grant us wisdom and courage to walk together in charity and justice.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Brichtelmestunensis
S. Silverii Papæ et Martyris MMXXV A.D.
LETTER TO SUSSEX MPS ON THE ASSISTED DYING BILL
PASTORAL EPISTLE ON DECRIMINALISATION OF ABORTION LAW IN BRITAIN
Oremus
Deus Miserator, Qui vitam humanam in tuae imaginis dignitate creasti, da nobis gratiam ut sanctitatem vitae semper tueamur. Fortitudinem tribue iis qui infirmantur et iis qui curant, ut in tribulatione non deficiant in spe, nec deficit caritas. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Merciful God, Who created human life in the dignity of Your image, grant us the grace always to defend the sanctity of life. Give strength to the infirm and to their carers, that in suffering they may not fail in hope nor in love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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