Description This encyclical is a call to each person to respect, protect, love and serve life--every human life. Every human life is sacred because from its very beginning, it is the gift of the creative action of God who has a plan for each individual. In context of salvation history, threats to human life, such as abortion and euthanasia, are explored. Other topics include civil and moral law, proclaiming and celebrating the Gospel of Life, the family as the sanctuary of life, and transforming culture.