There is no way to meet the present challenge without a significant degree of real loss. But that does not mean these decisions have to be pitched as zero-sum battles.

When asked to describe what a good death meant for them, many readers referred to surviving family and friends in their answers.

The unprecedented decision was made on the final day of their meeting May 15-17 with Pope Francis.

“History is being made. We are at a particular moment for the universal church, not only for Chile,” one monsignor said.