Archbishop Charles Scicluna, on the occasion of the day dedicated to celebrating life, said that life remains a gift from God in any circumstance.

He said that this does not justify violent or traumatic circumstances that could lead to a birth.

"The cries of a baby are a gift," he said, adding that when he hears babies crying, he thanks god, and said it doesn't bother him.

The Archbishop stressed that we must continue to cherish life, even when the burden of old age hits, or when one is struck by a terminal illness. "While we have no serious right to condemn those who are suffering, we should see how we can help those suffering".

The Archbishop spoke out against assisted suicide, and mentioned the law in the United States which reads; "a person's right to die is another person's duty to kill".

"The commandment 'Thou shall not kill' is there so we would be protected, in every circumstance, even when we are at our most vulnerable," he said.

While working to find cures for illnesses, and praying for those who are sick, we must also support each other as the worst act of condemnation is to leave someone suffer alone, he said.

"We will continue to insist that life has value, even when it looks as though there is no value".

 Photo by Photocity, Valletta