The Catholic Church in Sweden has published a document in which it clearly states that the faithful cannot support with their vote parties that promote abortion or euthanasia, as these are issues that affect fundamental moral principles.
The text, disseminated by the commission Justitia et Pax of the diocese of Stockholm on the occasion of the elections scheduled for September 2026, distinguishes between absolute values - which bind in conscience - and debatable political issues, where diversity of opinion is possible.
The right to life, a non-negotiable principle
The document recalls that “a fundamental and absolute value is the right of every person to life from conception until natural death”, emphasizing that this principle constitutes the basis of the Church’s entire social doctrine.
In this sense, it states that both abortion and euthanasia are “grave violations of human dignity in themselves”, regardless of the circumstances or motivations.
The text also warns that these practices particularly affect “the weakest, who cannot defend their right to life for themselves”, insisting that this right is the foundation upon which all others rest.
Clear guidance for the Catholic vote
Based on these principles, the document establishes a direct consequence: Catholics have the obligation to orient their vote in a way that protects these fundamental values in legislation.
“It is a duty for Catholics to seek parties and candidates to vote for in such a way that one of the absolute values can be defended in specific legislation”, the text states.
This implies, in practice, that it is not morally acceptable to support political options that promote or facilitate laws contrary to the right to life.
Freedom in political issues, not in moral principles
The document introduces, however, a key distinction: in matters such as the economy, security, immigration, or social policies, Catholics may legitimately hold different opinions.
These issues belong to the realm of “political prudence”, where “different Christians can, with good conscience, reach different conclusions”, as long as they respect the general principles of the Church’s social doctrine.
A countercurrent message in today’s Europe
The clarity of the document contrasts with the dominant political climate in much of Europe, where abortion is considered a consolidated right and euthanasia is progressively advancing in various countries.
In this context, the Church in Sweden reminds that not all political issues carry the same moral weight and that there are limits that cannot be crossed without compromising the Christian conscience.
A reminder that, far from entering into partisan debates, sets a clear line: there are principles - such as the defense of life - that admit no exceptions or political balances.