Intellectual Catholicism The Catholic Church and the Death Penalty - Robert Fastiggi
Nov 26, 2025
Robert Fastiggi, a Catholic theologian and editor of key Catholic texts, joins Suan Sonna to explore the Church's evolving stance on the death penalty. They discuss how John Paul II emphasized the dignity of even murderers, making capital punishment inadmissible today. Fastiggi clarifies that while the death penalty isn't labeled intrinsically evil, it raises deep moral concerns. Historical shifts, the interpretation of scripture, and the significance of mercy in punishment are also key topics, reflecting on compassion and the possibility of conversion.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Dignity Of The Murderer Changes Teaching
- John Paul II's Evangelium Vitae was the turning point asserting that "not even a murderer loses his dignity."
- That theological shift underpins the Church's move to deem the death penalty inadmissible today.
Catechism Revision Reflects Moral Development
- The 2018 Catechism revision frames the death penalty as inadmissible due to new understandings of dignity and penal purpose.
- The change is presented as moral development, not an explicit declaration of intrinsic immorality.
Leveled Assent To Magisterial Teaching
- Vatican II and later magisterial texts require religious submission of intellect and will to papal teachings even when not ex cathedra.
- Theologians may request clarification but must do so respectfully and not publicly accuse the Pope.
