Krzysztof Bronk – Vatican
One of the most difficult moments of Paul VI’s pontificate
John Paul II recalled that the promulgation of Humanae vitae was one of the most difficult moments of Paul VI’s pontificate. Referring to the accompanying controversies, the Polish Pope emphasized that Paul VI, being obedient to God and not to men (cf. Acts 5:29), became an interpreter of the full truth about man and defended the meaning and dignity of marital and family love in the light of God’s plan.
Sexuality is also a path to sanctification
Humanae vitae reminds us that human sexuality is also a path to sanctification for spouses. Therefore, it calls them to be aware of their own dignity and the value of responsible parenthood. “This fits into the context of that love which – as the Second Vatican Council states – ‘binding together the divine and human elements, leads spouses to a free mutual self-giving’ (Gaudium et Spes, 49). Therefore, the principle of responsibility in procreation should not be interpreted negatively, almost as a brake on generous love, but rather as an expression and the very fruit of this self-giving,” said John Paul II.
Truth does not impoverish love, but gives freedom
The Pope referred to the Encyclical Veritatis splendor, promulgated a few months earlier, which helps to better understand Paul VI’s teaching. It emphasizes the objective requirements of moral law and the inseparable connection between truth and freedom. “It is truth, as Jesus teaches, that makes us truly free (cf. John 8:32). By fully embracing God’s plan for marriage, spouses do not feel that their love is impoverished, but quite the opposite – they experience the fullness of mutual self-giving.”
Man also has the right to ecology and respect for his nature
John Paul II also framed the issue of responsible parenthood and natural methods of fertility regulation within the concept of “human ecology,” meaning concern for respecting human nature in all its dimensions. “Who today rightly cares about respecting creation – said the Pope – how could he not demand at least the same respect when it comes to the person and human procreation? Who is concerned about the excessive medicalization of human sexuality and the possibility of its manipulation, how can he not appreciate the harmony between human nature and the person, proposed by the Church in this prophetic document of its Magisterium?”
The power of the word
A selection of the most important recordings from the pontificate of St. John Paul II can be found on a separate playlist on YouTube and as a separate podcast on Spotify. A collection of 129 catecheses by John Paul II on the theology of the body is also available. We encourage you to listen to the teaching of the holy Pope to experience the power of his word for yourself.
