How does the Catholic Church view suicide and pastoral care for those who suffer?
Suicide is gravely contrary to the natural inclination of human beings to preserve life, contrary to genuine love of self, and an injustice to family and community. God remains the sovereign master of life.
At the same time, the Church explicitly recognises that grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or severe fear of hardship or torture can diminish or even remove the subjective moral responsibility of the person who commits suicide.
Catholics should never 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 those who have died by suicide and offers loving pastoral and spiritual support to grieving families. Anyone experiencing severe psychological distress or suicidal thoughts should immediately reach out to a medical doctor, counsellor, or priest for help.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2282
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2283
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.