What are the teachings of the Catholic Church about capital punishment?
According to the Catholic World News, Pope John Paul II on December 12, 1999 said that the Jubilee was an opportunity to “promote, throughout the world, ever stronger attitudes of respect for life and the dignity of every person.” In that context, he said, “I renew my appeal to all leaders to build an international consensus for the abolition of the death penalty.” The Pontiff also repeated his argument that legal execution is no longer necessary because society can protect itself from criminals by other means. Thus “the cases in which the death of the guilty party is absolutely necessary are rare, if not practically nonexistent.”4 The Catechism of the Catholic Church 5 has this to say about capital punishment and the precious gift of life: 2265 Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legiti
