From Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well, Episode 17, Augustine Institute (2m 8s)
We pray that in their last moments, individuals who committed suicide knew they were loved, turned to God to seek forgiveness, and received his mercy. The death of a love done through suicide is unimaginably tragic. Some people believe that the souls of individuals who commit suicide are automatically in hell, but this is not necessarily true. Three elements are necessary for a sin to be mortal: grave matter, full understanding, and free consent. "Frequently in the case of suicide, there is not full understanding or free consent."
Every mortal sin is an exercise of our ability to reject God altogether. However, most people who commit suicide do not possess complete understanding or operate with free consent. They're often overwhelmed by psychological illness, confusion, or some other struggle.
As difficult as these situations are, there is always hope. We must pray for every person who felt this choice was the only way out of the darkness they experienced.This is the only way to move forward with confidence, hope, and trust in God’s mercy.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed., 2000)
The Catechism offers a comprehensive treatment of the Church's teaching and touches upon every facet of the Christian faith. This work is divided into four main sections: the profession of faith (the Creed), the celebration of the Christian mystery (the Liturgy), life in Christ (the moral life), and Christian prayer. SUICIDE is defined in the Catechism as “the willful taking of one's own life; a grievous sin against the fifth commandment. A human person is neither the author nor the supreme arbiter of his life, of which God is the sovereign master” (§2280). References to suicide in the Catechism include:
- §2280 Everyone is responsible for his life before God, who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of. (cf. §2258)
- §2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends the love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God. (cf. §2212)
- §2282 If suicide is committed to set an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary cooperation in suicide is contrary to the moral law. (cf. §1735) Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.
- §2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives. (cf. §1037)
Papal Encyclicals and other Papal Documents
Evangelium Vitae (John Paul II), 65: (on euthanasia) Certainly,there is a moral obligation to care for oneself and to allow oneself to be cared for, but this duty must take account of concrete circumstances. It needs to be determined whether the means of treatment available are objectively proportionate to the prospects for improvement. To forego extraordinary or disproportionate means is not the equivalent of suicide or euthanasia; it rather expresses acceptance of the human condition in the face of death.
Christi fideles Laici (John Paul II), 38: The inviolability of the person, which is a reflection of the absolute inviolability of God, finds its primary and fundamental expression in the inviolability of human life. Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture- is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination (read entire section).
Ecclesia in America (John Paul II), 63: This same concern must be shown to the elderly, who are often neglected and left to fend for themselves.They must be respected as persons; it is essential to care for them and to help them in ways that will promote their rights and ensure their greatest possible physical and spiritual well-being. The elderly must be protected from situations or pressures that could drive them to suicide; in particular, they must be helped nowadays to resist the temptation of assisted suicide and euthanasia.
USCCB Resources
