Catechism of the Catholic Church · Part Three › Section Two › Chapter Two · Article 5 (§§2258–2330)
Paragraphs · 73
The Catechism's text is under copyright, so each paragraph is quoted briefly here with a link to the full text at vatican.va.
The Fifth Commandment
- §2258 — "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end.vatican.va
The witness of sacred history
- §2259 — In the account of Abel's murder by his brother Cain, Scripture reveals the presence of anger and envy in man, consequences of original sin, from the beginning of human history.vatican.va
- §2260 — The covenant between God and mankind is interwoven with reminders of God's gift of human life and man's murderous violence:vatican.va
- §2261 — Scripture specifies the prohibition contained in the fifth commandment: "Do not slay the innocent and the righteous." The deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human being, to the golden rule, and to the holiness of the Creator.vatican.va
- §2262 — In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord recalls the commandment, "You shall not kill," and adds to it the proscription of anger, hatred, and vengeance.vatican.va
- §2263 — The legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing. "The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one's own life; and the killing of the aggressor....vatican.va
- §2264 — Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality. Therefore it is legitimate to insist on respect for one's own right to life. Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow:vatican.va
- §2265 — Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another's life. Preserving the common good requires rendering the unjust aggressor unable to inflict harm.vatican.va
- §2266 — The State's effort to contain the spread of behaviors injurious to human rights and the fundamental rules of civil coexistence corresponds to the requirement of watching over the common good.vatican.va
- §2267 — Recourse to the death penalty on the part of legitimate authority, following a fair trial, was long considered an appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good.vatican.va
- §2268 — The fifth commandment forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful. the murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance.vatican.va
- §2269 — The fifth commandment forbids doing anything with the intention of indirectly bringing about a person's death. the moral law prohibits exposing someone to mortal danger without grave reason, as well as refusing assistance to a person in danger.vatican.va
- §2270 — Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.vatican.va
- §2271 — Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:vatican.va
- §2272 — Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae," "by the very commission of the offense," and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law.vatican.va
- §2273 — The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation:vatican.va
- §2274 — Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.vatican.va
- §2275 — "One must hold as licit procedures carried out on the human embryo which respect the life and integrity of the embryo and do not involve disproportionate risks for it, but are directed toward its healing the improvement of its condition of health, or its individual survival."vatican.va
- §2276 — Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.vatican.va
- §2277 — Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.vatican.va
- §2278 — Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of "over-zealous" treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede it is merely accepted.vatican.va
- §2279 — Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity…vatican.va
- §2280 — Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls.vatican.va
- §2281 — Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self.vatican.va
- §2282 — If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.vatican.va
- §2283 — We 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.vatican.va
Respect for the souls of others: scandal
- §2284 — Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. the person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death.vatican.va
- §2285 — Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the authority of those who cause it or the weakness of those who are scandalized. It prompted our Lord to utter this curse: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,…vatican.va
- §2286 — Scandal can be provoked by laws or institutions, by fashion or opinion.vatican.va
- §2287 — Anyone who uses the power at his disposal in such a way that it leads others to do wrong becomes guilty of scandal and responsible for the evil that he has directly or indirectly encouraged.vatican.va
- §2288 — Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.vatican.va
- §2289 — If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does not make it an absolute value. It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends to promote the cult of the body, to sacrifice everything for it's sake, to idolize physical perfection and success at sports.vatican.va
- §2290 — The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air.vatican.va
- §2291 — The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices.vatican.va
- §2292 — Scientific, medical, or psychological experiments on human individuals or groups can contribute to healing the sick and the advancement of public health.vatican.va
- §2293 — Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man's dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all.vatican.va
- §2294 — It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies.vatican.va
- §2295 — Research or experimentation on the human being cannot legitimate acts that are in themselves contrary to the dignity of persons and to the moral law.vatican.va
- §2296 — Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks incurred by the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient.vatican.va
- §2297 — Kidnapping and hostage taking bring on a reign of terror; by means of threats they subject their victims to intolerable pressures. They are morally wrong.vatican.va
- §2298 — In times past, cruel practices were commonly used by legitimate governments to maintain law and order, often without protest from the Pastors of the Church, who themselves adopted in their own tribunals the prescriptions of Roman law concerning torture.vatican.va
- §2299 — The dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace. They will be helped by the prayer of their relatives, who must see to it that the sick receive at the proper time the sacraments that prepare them to meet the living God.vatican.va
- §2300 — The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. the burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.vatican.va
- §2301 — Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. the free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious. The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.vatican.va
Peace
- §2302 — By recalling the commandment, "You shall not kill," our Lord asked for peace of heart and denounced murderous anger and hatred as immoral. Anger is a desire for revenge.vatican.va
- §2303 — Deliberate hatred is contrary to charity. Hatred of the neighbor is a sin when one deliberately wishes him evil. Hatred of the neighbor is a grave sin when one deliberately desires him grave harm.vatican.va
- §2304 — Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries.vatican.va
- §2305 — Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, the messianic "Prince of Peace." By the blood of his Cross, "in his own person he killed the hostility," he reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of the unity of the human race and of its union with God.vatican.va
- §2306 — Those who renounce violence and bloodshed and, in order to safeguard human rights, make use of those means of defense available to the weakest, bear witness to evangelical charity, provided they do so without harming the rights and obligations of other men and societies.vatican.va
- §2307 — The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life. Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to action so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of war.vatican.va
- §2308 — All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war. However, "as long as the danger of war persists and there is no international authority with the necessary competence and power, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed."vatican.va
- §2309 — The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. the gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy.vatican.va
- §2310 — Public authorities, in this case, have the right and duty to impose on citizens the obligations necessary for national defense. Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations.vatican.va
- §2311 — Public authorities should make equitable provision for those who for reasons of conscience refuse to bear arms; these are nonetheless obliged to serve the human community in some other way.vatican.va
- §2312 — The Church and human reason both assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflict. "The mere fact that war has regrettably broken out does not mean that everything becomes licit between the warring parties."vatican.va
- §2313 — Non-combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely. Actions deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal principles are crimes, as are the orders that command such actions.vatican.va
- §2314 — "Every act of war directed to the indiscriminate destruction of whole cities or vast areas with their inhabitants is a crime against God and man, which merits firm and unequivocal condemnation."vatican.va
- §2315 — The accumulation of arms strikes many as a paradoxically suitable way of deterring potential adversaries from war. They see it as the most effective means of ensuring peace among nations.vatican.va
- §2316 — The production and the sale of arms affect the common good of nations and of the international community. Hence public authorities have the right and duty to regulate them.vatican.va
- §2317 — Injustice, excessive economic or social inequalities, envy, distrust, and pride raging among men and nations constantly threaten peace and cause wars. Everything done to overcome these disorders contributes to building up peace and avoiding war:vatican.va
In Brief
- §2318 — "In [God's] hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10).vatican.va
- §2319 — Every human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God.vatican.va
- §2320 — The murder of a human being is gravely contrary to the dignity of the person and the holiness of the Creator.vatican.va
- §2321 — The prohibition of murder does not abrogate the right to render an unjust aggressor unable to inflict harm. Legitimate defense is a grave duty for whoever is responsible for the lives of others or the common good.vatican.va
- §2322 — From its conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a "criminal" practice (GS 27 # 3), gravely contrary to the moral law.vatican.va
- §2323 — Because it should be treated as a person from conception, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed like every other human being.vatican.va
- §2324 — Intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives, is murder. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator.vatican.va
- §2325 — Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth commandment.vatican.va
- §2326 — Scandal is a grave offense when by deed or omission it deliberately leads others to sin.vatican.va
- §2327 — Because of the evils and injustices that all war brings with it, we must do everything reasonably possible to avoid it. the Church prays: "From famine, pestilence, and war, O Lord, deliver us."vatican.va
- §2328 — The Church and human reason assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflicts. Practices deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal principles are crimes.vatican.va
- §2329 — "The arms race is one of the greatest curses on the human race and the harm it inflicts on the poor is more than can be endured" (GS 81 # 3).vatican.va
- §2330 — "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Mt 5:9).vatican.va
Scripture cited · 72 verses
Genesis 4:8 · Genesis 4:9 · Genesis 4:10 · Genesis 4:11 · Genesis 4:12 · Genesis 9:5 · Genesis 9:6 · Exodus 23:7 · Leviticus 17:14 · Tobit 1:16 · Tobit 1:17 · Tobit 1:18 · Job 10:8 · Job 10:9 · Job 10:10 · Job 10:11 · Job 10:12 · Psalm 22:10 · Psalm 22:11 · Psalm 139:15 · Isaiah 2:4 · Isaiah 9:5 · Isaiah 32:17 · Jeremiah 1:5 · Amos 8:4 · Amos 8:5 · Amos 8:6 · Amos 8:7 · Amos 8:8 · Amos 8:9 · Amos 8:10 · Matthew 5:9 · Matthew 5:21 · Matthew 5:22 · Matthew 5:23 · Matthew 5:24 · Matthew 5:25 · Matthew 5:26 · Matthew 5:27 · Matthew 5:28 · Matthew 5:29 · Matthew 5:30 · Matthew 5:31 · Matthew 5:32 · Matthew 5:33 · Matthew 5:34 · Matthew 5:35 · Matthew 5:36 · Matthew 5:37 · Matthew 5:38 · Matthew 5:39 · Matthew 5:44 · Matthew 5:45 · Matthew 7:15 · Matthew 18:6 · Matthew 26:52 · Luke 17:1 · Luke 23:40 · Luke 23:41 · Luke 23:42 · Luke 23:43 · 1 Corinthians 8:10 · 1 Corinthians 8:11 · 1 Corinthians 8:12 · 1 Corinthians 8:13 · Ephesians 2:14 · Ephesians 2:16 · Ephesians 6:4 · Colossians 1:20 · Colossians 1:21 · Colossians 1:22 · Colossians 3:21