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What could ever be a sufficient reason for excusing in any way the direct murder of the innocent? This is precisely what we are dealing with here. Whether inflicted upon the mother or upon the child, it is against the precept of God and the law of nature: 'Thou shalt not kill.'
Pope Pius Xi
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote questions the morality of justifying the taking of innocent life, emphasizing a fundamental prohibition against murder.

In this quote, Pope Pius XI asserts that there can be no adequate justification for the act of murdering the innocent, whether it pertains to the unborn or the mother. He underscores the moral and natural law that condemns such acts, invoking a divine command against killing, thus positioning the sanctity of life as a paramount principle in ethical considerations.

Themes

MurderInnocenceMoralityLifeLawNature

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a speech advocating for human rights.

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From it (the Rosary) the young will draw fresh energy with which to control the rebellious tendencies to evil and to preserve intact the stainless purity of the soul. Also in it, the old will again find repose, relief, and peace from their anxious cares. And to all those who suffer in any way, especially the dying, may it bring comfort and increase the hope of eternal happiness.
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