Veneto President Urges Law on End-of-Life Care, Calls for Dialogue

Luca Zaia, president of the Veneto Regional Council, has penned an open letter to the Patriarch of Venice, Francesco Moraglia, advocating for a national law to regulate end-of-life decisions. Zaia highlighted that while the Constitutional Court's 2019 ruling permits medically assisted suicide under strict conditions, it left significant regulatory gaps.

Zaia called for a respectful dialogue, devoid of ideological barricades, to address the growing public demand for clear answers on this sensitive issue. He acknowledged shared principles, such as the universal call not to leave anyone alone in their suffering and the need for society and states to provide concrete solutions to human suffering. He quoted the Pope, stating that protecting and promoting life, especially fragile life, is a common human heritage.

However, Zaia distinguished the role of public institutions from that of religious leaders. He stated that while religious leaders care for souls, public administrators are tasked with applying laws and protecting rights. He stressed the importance of ethical conduct, respect for morals, and a responsible approach, acknowledging Italy's Christian roots. Zaia urged Parliament to establish a clear national framework that ensures timely processes, rigorous verification, protection for vulnerable individuals, and uniform responses across the country.