Quote by Pope John Paul II, May 25, 2000

Another key element of human ecology is the inviolability of human life, especially at its beginning and its end. The Holy See insistently proclaims that the first and most fundamental of all human rights is the right to life, and that when this right is denied all other rights are threatened. The assumption that abortion and euthanasia are human rights deserving legislative sanction is seen by the Holy See as a contradiction which amounts to a denial of the human dignity and freedom which the law is supposed to protect. A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members; and among the most vulnerable are surely the unborn and the dying.http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2000/index.htm

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of safeguarding human life, specifically highlighting its inviolability at both the beginning and end. The Holy See asserts that the right to life is the most fundamental human right, and that any denial of this right threatens all other rights. The Holy See considers the recognition of abortion and euthanasia as human rights to be contradictory, as it believes this contradicts the principles of human dignity and freedom that laws are meant to uphold. The way a society treats its most vulnerable members directly reflects its morality, and the Holy See considers the unborn and dying among the weakest and most deserving of protection.