The rights and values pertaining to the human person occupy an important place among the questions discussed today. In this regard, the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council solemnly reaffirmed the lofty dignity of the human person, and in a special way his or her rights to life. The Council therefore condemned crimes against life 'such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia, or wilful suicide' (Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 27).