Scientia et Fides, Vol 8, No 2 (2020): Philosophical and Theological Aspects of Evolution. The individual articles are available in pdf format at the Table of Contents of Vol. 8, No. 2 at the Scientia et FidesArchives page.
Vegliare Con Sollecitudine: Address to the Italian Association of Catholic Midwives, by the Venerable Pope Pius XII, 29 October 1951. Variously referred to as “Address [or ‘Allocution’] to Midwives [or ‘Italian Midwives’ or ‘Catholic Midwives’]”, sometimes adding “on the Nature of Their Profession”.
A different English translation, which appears to be longer and more complete, may be read online on this page of Catholic Culture. It is lifted from the pamphlet Marriage and the Moral Law: Two Addresses of Pope Pius XII: Catholic Truth Society No. S0231 (1957), which may be read online on this page at Catholic Truth Society Pamphlets; and on this page at e-Catholic 2000. (N.B., In addition to the Address to Midwives, the pamphlet includes “Nell’ordine Della Natura: Address to the Association Known as the ‘Family Campaign’ and Other Family Associations”, 26 November 1951.)
What is asserted to be a complete translation by Ron Conte (longer than the 1st translation above, of the same length as the 2nd) may be read online at Catholic Planet, linked from the reproach of Christ.
“When you reflect on the wonderful collaboration of the parents, of nature and of God, as a result of which a new human being is born to the image and likeness of the Creator… you cannot help valuing at its proper worth the precious co-operation you contribute to an event of such importance….
“Hence whoever approaches this cradle of the formation of life and plays a part there, in one way or another, should know the order the Creator lays down to be followed and the laws that rule this order….
“Nature places at man’s disposal the whole chain of the causes which give rise to a new human life; it is man’s part to release the living force, and to nature pertains the development of that force, leading to its completion. Once man has fulfilled his part and set in motion the marvellous evolution of life, it is his duty to respect religiously its progress and the same duty forbids him either to halt the course of nature or to prevent its natural development.” (Formatting modified.)
Prospects for Xenotransplantation: Scientific Aspects and Ethical Considerations, by the Pontifical Academy for Life, September 26, 2002. May be of read online (on this page) of LifeIssues.net, and at the Holy See.
On the principle of the responsible use of animal life for human welfare, discussed on paragraphs 8-9 of the above document, see also:
“Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness…
“God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.
“It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2416-2418)
“Just-War Doctrine in a Nuclear Context”, by William V. O’Brien, Theological Studies, Vol 44, Issue 2, pp. 191-220 (1983). Available in pdf format at Theological Studies through Sage Journals.
On the Feast of St. Sergius of Radonezh; in remembrance of Francisco Suarez, S.J. (+25 September 1617), a founder of international law; and on the anniversary of the Battle of Nicopolis (25 September 1396), in which the Ottoman Empire defeated the Christian army that had marched to the defence of Constantinople. For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject).
O God, from whom proceed all holy desires, all right counsels and just works; grant unto us Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be devoted to Thy commands, and that, being delivered from the fear of our enemies, we may pass our time in peace under Thy protection. Through Christ our Lord. (Prayer to Implore Peace, Raccolta [1866] No. 158)
The Vatican’s summary of “Evangelium Vitae”, released on March 30, 1995 along with the encyclical, may be read online on this page of Priests for Life. A Powerpoint summary is available on this page at For Catholic Grownups. A summary by Deacon William Wagner may be read online on this page.
See also the following commentaries on the encyclical:
“Philosophical Anthropology and Evangelium Vitae”, by Professor William E. May, Acta Philosophica, vol. 12 (2003), pp. 311-322, available in PDF format on this page at Acta Philosophica.
«Evangelium Vitae» Five Years of Confrontation with the Society: Proceedings of Sixth Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Vatican City, February 11-14, 2000, edited by Dr. Juan de Dios Vial Correa and Elio Cardinal Sgreccia (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2001), available in PDF format (on this page) of the Pontifical Academy for Life. [N.B., This is a collection of essays whose intellectual value outweighs the typographical errors of the text.]
“The Way of Suicide, Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia, or Evangelium Vitae’s Way of Mercy and Compassion?”, by Dr. Brigid Vout, The Linacre Quarterly, vol. 70, no. 4, article 4 (2003), pp. 301-315, available in PDF format on this page.
O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. (From Sancta Missa)
Technology and the New Evangelization: Criteria for Discernment, by Fr. Jonah Lynch, FSCB and Michelle K. Borras, Ph.D. (New Haven, CT: Knights of Columbus Supreme Council—Catholic Information Service, 2012). With Imprimatur. Available in PDF format (on this page) at the Knights of Columbus—Catholic Information Service.
O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. (From Sancta Missa)