Who says capital punishment is, in itself, bad, falls into heresy
of the Prof. Roberto De Mattei
The lawfulness of the death penalty is a truth to be held by faith, defined by the ordinary and universal Magisterium of the Church, in a constant and unequivocal manner. Who says capital punishment is, in itself, bad, falls into heresy.
The teaching of the Church was clearly expressed in the letter of 18 December 1208, in which Innocent III condemns the Waldensian position, with these words, reported by Denzinger: «We assert a secular power, that without mortal sin he can exercise the judgment of blood, provided that I do not hate to take revenge, but by judgment, not carelessly, but let him proceed in consultation» ( A handbook of symbols,definitions and declarations on matters of faith and morals, edited by Peter Hünermann S.J., n. 795). (As for secular power, we affirm that the death penalty can be exercised without mortal sin, provided that revenge is exercised not out of hatred, but by judgment, not in an imprudent way, but in moderation).
The same position was reiterated by Catechism of the Council of Trent (Part three, n. 328), dal Catechism maggiore of Saint Pius (Part three, n. 413) and from the new Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 2267) (albeit invalid because legislated by illegitimate authorities, n.d.r.). Pope Francis (Il “not-pope” Francesco, n.d.r.) he has now signed a rescript that modifies the Catechism (of the Conciliar Counter-Church itself, n.d.r.) with this new formulation: «The Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that 'the death penalty is inadmissible because it attacks the inviolability and dignity of the person', and is committed with determination to its abolition throughout the world». Read More
