General Intention of the Holy Father for the Month of December

(November 29, 2008) That, faced by the growing expansion of the culture of violence and death, the Church may courageously promote the culture of life through all her apostolic and missionary activities.
Pope Benedict XVI asks us to pray for the culture of life - specifically, that the Church may effectively promote life through its activities. Prayer for the culture of life is urgent because the culture of violence and death is growing. The culture of death is based on the idea that humans are something less than beings in the image of God, unique creatures so loved by their Creator that he took flesh and died to restore us to friendship with him. When a society loses this belief in the inestimable value of each person, then the culture of death creeps in. The Catholic Church teaches us of the fifth commandment, "You shall not kill," specifically condemns murder, abortion, euthanasia, genocide, wars that are not necessary for defence, slavery, racism, sexism, torture, abuse, suicide, and all other acts that degrade or victimize people. Although its moral vision has sharpened throughout history, the Church has always condemned the practices of the culture of death. Pope Benedict this past week referred to the tragic deaths in Mumbai in India, where nearly 195 people died due to terrorist attacks and nearly 400 injured. He says that he is deeply concerned about the outbreak of violence and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these brutal attacks, and assured the public authorities, citizens, and all those affected of his spiritual closeness. Cruelty and violence has become a form of amusement, a true perversion of joy, of the true meaning of life. We have the call from God for a profound yes. Our Yes to God should be yes to life, yes to love, yes to family, yes to solidarity, to social responsibility, yes to truth and a yes to respect others. This month’s intention reminds us of our Baptism which gives new life and establishes a friendship with God. We pray that the whole Church may promote the culture of life and be a true light to our darkening world.