This week marks the 30th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) Pope St John Paul II's encyclical on the sanctity of human life.

Its message remains as relevant as ever. But what does it mean for us as Catholics in Scotland?

We asked Paul Atkin, the Archdiocesan Pro-Life officer to answer some key questions about what it means for Scottish Catholics.

What is Evangelium Vitae and why does it matter today?

Evangelium Vitae is a letter from Pope John Paul II that defends the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. It warns against modern threats to life, such as abortion, euthanasia, and attacks on the vulnerable, and calls us to build a ‘culture of life’ rather than a ‘culture of death.’ Today, these issues are just as pressing. In Scotland, we face debates on assisted suicide, the expansion of abortion laws, and how we care for the elderly and disabled. As Catholics, we are called to defend life with love, compassion, and truth.

What does Pope John Paul II mean by a ‘Culture of Life’ and a ‘Culture of Death’?

The Culture of Life values every human being as a child of God, regardless of age, ability, or circumstances. It means cherishing the unborn, protecting the weak, and showing dignity to the dying. It’s about fostering a world where life is nurtured, not discarded. The Culture of Death sees life as disposable. It promotes abortion, euthanasia, and a mindset that values people based on usefulness rather than inherent dignity. This culture creeps into our thinking through laws, media, and attitudes that devalue life. Pope Francis has decried this as a "throw-away culture”.

How has Evangelium Vitae influenced Scotland?

The Encyclical led to the founding of The Sisters of the Gospel of Life after the late Cardinal Thomas Winning invited any woman facing a crisis pregnancy, or suffering in the aftermath of abortion to come to the Catholic Church for help. The Sisters were the first female religious community in Scotland for over 150 years and they continue to help women and their families across Scotland, and beyond. The Scottish Government has expanded abortion access and is debating assisted suicide legislation. Evangelium Vitae calls us not to despair, but to engage in these discussions with truth, prayer, and action, ensuring the most vulnerable are protected.

What does the encyclical say about abortion and euthanasia?

Pope John Paul II is clear: abortion and euthanasia are grave moral wrongs. Every human life, no matter how fragile, has value. However, the encyclical also stresses compassion—we must support those who feel pressured into abortion and care for the dying with love, not abandonment. Our Archdiocese is blessed with several excellent hospices showing that dignity in dying does not require euthanasia, but proper care and presence. As Catholics, we should advocate for better resources for those at the end of life.

How can Catholics in Scotland live out the message of Evangelium Vitae?

We don’t need to be politicians to make a difference. We can:

• Support the Sisters of the Gospel of Life to help women in need.
• Volunteer in hospices or visit the sick and elderly.
• Encourage pro-life discussions in a loving and non-confrontational way.
• Pray for a culture of life—prayer is powerful in changing hearts and minds.  The national Pro-Life Stations of the Cross takes place every Monday in Lent. Register at bit.ly/stations25

As Pope John Paul II reminds us, “Be not afraid!” Scotland needs Catholics who defend life with love and courage. Evangelium Vitae is not just a call to resist evil—it is an invitation to build a world where every life is cherished.

Our Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office works to build the culture of life in our churches, schools and communities. Contact Paul Atkin: prolife@staned.org.uk. Read Evangelium Vitae.