Is it okay to be in favor of the death penalty?

[d97c]

I am confused. I read where the Catholic Church and previous popes and catechisms stated that the death penalty was permitted. Aquinas also spoke allowing the state to inflict the penalty. In fact the Vatican had the death penalty until 1969. The recent Catcchism of the Catholic Church speaks of it as not "necessary." I think it is for various reasons, among which are proportionality, deterrence and justice. Can I as a good Catholic, still advocate the death penalty? Is it different from abortion which I as a Catholic MUST oppose? I think the morality is different in the situation of the guilt and innocence of a murderer versus an unborn child.

[Michelle Arnold]

The Church in recent years has proposed that use of the death penalty be reconsidered. It has not stated that states are forbidden to impose it or that Catholics are forbidden to support it. As a matter of prudence though, it would be good for Catholics to carefully consider the Church's pastoral guidance on the matter and allow their consciences to be informed by the Church, as distinguished from informing the Church of their opinion.

Recommended reading:

War and Capital Punishment by Jimmy Akin