The encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) by Pope St. John Paul II was published on March 25, 1995. The 25th anniversary of this document was on March 25, 2020. The date of publication, of course, is the Solemnity of the Annunciation, when Mary said her “Yes” to God, who then became an unborn child within her body.
Below you will find resources for the study and promotion of this document, including a study guide and prayer resources.
A message for our times
Priests for Life continues to rejoice in the gift which St. John Paul II has given to the Church in the encyclical letter, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life). This document is the most comprehensive and authoritative statement of the Magisterium on the tragedies of abortion and euthanasia, and on the good news of the dignity of the human person.
Priests for Life was one of the very first associations in the Church to provide a commentary on this encyclical. It consists of two 45-minute talks given by Fr. Frank Pavone. Listen to it here: part 1: Listen and part 2: Listen.
Read the full text of the Gospel of Life and the study guide
The Vatican's Summary of The Gospel of Life
We are the People of Life (Priests for Life Commentary on Evangelium Vitae)
Father Frank Pavone reflects on the publication in 1995 of St. John Paul’s encyclical “Evangelium Vitae.” (Catholic.org, March 25, 2020)
On its 25th anniversary, Evangelium Vitae tells us how we can repair our society’s foundation (Fr. Frank Pavone, Newsmax.com, March 24, 2020)
On the 25th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae, Janet Morana reflects on its influence on the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. (LifeSiteNews.com, March 25, 2020)
Pope John Paul II: [Statement on the First Anniversary] - [ Statement on the Fifth Anniversary]
Cardinal Lopez-Trujillo Comments on Fifth Anniversary of Evangelium Vitae
Fr. Frank Pavone's Reflection on the Fifth Anniversary of Evangelium Vitae
Documentation on the extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals (April 1991) which called for the Encyclical
Evangelium Vitae 73- The Catholic Lawmaker and the problem of a seriously unjust law
A special prayer vigil for life was held in Rome on March 24, 2015 for the 20th Anniversary
Other statements of the Magisterium on Life