A Balanced Look at Capital Punishment

If there is one issue where confusion reigns it is the official Catholic position on the death penalty. Many a theologian or social commentator has simplified Church teaching so as to interpret the death penalty as being definitively condemned. Others have made its possible application so theoretical as to render it practically impossible to happen. Such conclusions are misleading.

For a balanced look at this subject based on recent documents which include the then-Cardinal Ratzinger and Cardinal Avery Dulles, read our article, “Is the Church against Both Abortion and the Death Penalty?” Click here for more.

As one who is not opposed to capital punishment for "capital" crimes, this is a welcome reflection, especially today, when so much confusion and erroneous opinions abound.