If bloodless means are sufficient to defend human lives against an aggressor and to protect public order and the safety of persons, public authority should limit itself to such means.
Catechism 2266-67

The Death Penalty

Pope John Paul II has been more vocal in recent months and years about the use of the death penalty. He has asked heads of state in many situations to spare the lives of criminals condemned to death.

Historically, the Church has not opposed the death penalty. The teaching has not changed, although the pope has spoken out against the use of the death penalty. As can be seen in the quote from the Catechism at left, the Church acknowledges the right of the state to use the death penalty, but it stresses this should be done only when bloodless means are not available. Such is rarely the case in today's world.

The death penalty is most often administered, not to prevent the criminal from committing future acts, but for vengeance. In most cases, specifically in the United States, criminals can be detained for the rest of their days. In such cases, they are not able to harm others. This is a bloodless means to the intended end.

Yet, in many of these cases, the death penalty is sought because of the outrage and pain suffered by the victims and their families. But, in this case, as in all, we cannot let our emotions determine what is right and what is wrong. The moral philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas and of the Church is based on reason.

It is another painful reminder that often what we most desire differs from what is right.

Future articles

Death Penalty as Vengeance

The Fallibility of Juries

The Intended End of the Death Penalty

No Chance for Salvation