Death Penalty Dilemmas: Selected Issues

Abstract

The death penalty has always been an emotionally charged issue. It has been employed since time immemorial, but attitudes towards it have changed over time, just like attitudes towards punishment in general. It seems that now the death penalty is no longer considered a “natural” element of the world order, at least in European culture. Everyone has the duty to oppose the crime of homicide. Every individual separately is responsible for his own actions and following the voice of his conscience, recognises the natural law mandating respect for another’s life. Similarly, the state authorities deriving their power from God, are entrusted with ensuring social order and protecting human dignity. The Catholic Church allows the use of the death penalty only as a last resort to protect society from aggressors. This position is confirmed by the teaching of the Church Fathers, comments made by Popes, letters of the Catholic episcopates as well as theologians’ reflections. It is also supported by the Catechism of the Catholic Church revised after the publication of Evangelium Vitae.