What Does the Catholic Church Teach About the Death Penalty? (Father Simon Says)

Fr. Richard Simon offers a thoughtful look at the Catholic Church’s teaching on the death penalty, reminding you that our faith always begins from the truth that God “does not wish the death of a sinner.” While the Church consistently opposes capital punishment, he explains there may be rare and extreme cases where execution could be used to protect society – such as a situation where no secure imprisonment is possible.  Fr. Simon stresses, however, that in modern society those circumstances are virtually nonexistent. For Catholics, the question is not only about protecting the community but about willing the good of the offender. He emphasizes that justice in the biblical sense includes generosity and mercy, which goes far beyond the Greek idea of simple balance and fairness. Fr. Simon shares his own family’s painful story: his uncle was murdered in his store for only ten dollars. Though he felt the natural pull toward anger, Fr. Simon explains that as a Catholic he is still called to pray for the good of the man who committed the crime. The death penalty, he says, cannot be seen as good for the soul of the sinner, and Christians must resist the temptation to wish eternal suffering on anyone. In his words, the death penalty is “not godly,” because love means willing the good of another – even when that person has done terrible harm. By looking at this issue from the perspective of forgiveness and eternal life, Catholics can see why the Church stands firmly against capital punishment today. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.