Death Penalty

Question 1

What does Pope John Paul 11 believe about the death penalty?

Answer 1

-in his letter, Evangelium Vitae, death penalty should be avoided unless it is the only way to defend society from the offender
-allowed but does not encourage it (changes over time)
-Pope Francis, against, not justifiable
-

Question 2

What are Catholic arguments FOR the death penalty?

Answer 2

• The Bible sets down the death penalty for some crimes

- St Thomas Aquinas argued that peace in society was more important than reforming the sinner

Question 3

What are Catholic arguments AGAINST the death penalty?

Answer 3

• They believe Jesus came to Earth to reform sinners, as he did with the woman caught in adultery
• Jesus amended the Old Testament teaching on retribution, when he said ‘love your enemies’

Question 4

Who do Catholics believe can only take life?

Answer 4

• only God

- believe in SANCTITY OF LIFE, life belongs to God only God can take it