Church Teaching about Suicide

Question: What does the Church say about suicide?

Answer: Unfortunately, despite the Church’s clear teachings in resources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, there are still many people who are confused about what the Church teaches regarding the tragic reality of suicide.

While we hold that all life is sacred, we are also all-too aware that psychological, emotional and even physical illness — as well as extreme anxiety, fear, and abuse — can lead individuals to take their own lives. Speaking to this, the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults reflects, “Although suicide is always objectively sinful, one 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” (pg. 294). The text also states the reality of illness or other extreme influences can “diminish the responsibility of one committing suicide” (pg. 293).

Parishes and grief support groups should show special care and concern for those families that have lost a loved one to suicide. And, communities should always try to be mindful of those who might be at risk of suicide or self-harm.

If someone is contemplating suicide, please know that help is available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).