50 Years of Humanæ Vitæ

On July 25, 1968, Pope Paul VI promulgated Humanæ Vitæ, the epoch-making encyclical. The Pope began his encyclical with these words:
 
“The transmission of human life is a most serious role in which married people collaborate freely and responsibly with God the Creator. It has always been a source of great joy to them, even though it sometimes entails many difficulties and hardships. The fulfillment of this duty has always posed problems to the conscience of married people, but the recent course of human society and the concomitant changes have provoked new questions. The Church cannot ignore these questions, for they concern matters intimately connected with the life and happiness of human beings.”
 
Please click below for the text, titled  The Joy of Married Love, presenting the teaching of  Humanæ Vitæ in an accessible and uplifting style aimed at inspiring and providing encouragement to married couples. It was developed jointly between the CCCB’s Commission for Doctrine and The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF).
 
This short pastoral letter marking the 50 ^th anniversary of  Humanae Vitae, notes the continuing implications of the Encyclical, as well as acknowledges Pope John Paul II’s teaching on the subject, popularly referred to as the Theology of the Body, in view of encouraging a more favourable reception of  Humanae Vitae. In addition, the statement intends to incorporate the newest insights, perspective, and reflections from Pope Francis as they are found in the post-synodal apostolic exhortation  Amoris Laetitia.
 
This text can be reproduced and circulated both freely and without charge.