Catholic's on Capital Punishment

Question 1

What was St Augustine’s views on capital punishment and what is a quote to support this?

Answer 1

• St Augustine was AGAINST the death penalty. He said that a person cannot change once they are dead and so needs to be given every chance to change while they are alive

“There is no space to reform character except in this life” - St Augustine.

Question 2

What was Pope John Paul’s views on capital punishment and what is a quote to support this?

Answer 2

• Pope John Paul suggested that capital punishment should be avoided unless it is the only way to protect people from the criminal.

“Punishment… ought not go to the extreme of executing the offender except in cases of absolute necessity” - Pope John Paul

Question 3

What are Pope Francis’ views on capital punishment and what is a quote to support this?

Answer 3

• The Catholic Churches teachings on the death penalty have evolved and changed over time.
  Pope Francis has said that he is against the death penalty, saying that it is no longer justifiable and there is also the chance that the wrong person could be killed.

“Do not kill” - The Ten Commandments.