Historical story

Can catholic who committed suicide receive full rite of funeral?

According to the teachings of the Catholic Church, suicide is considered a grave sin and is inconsistent with the Church's teachings on the sanctity of life. The Church holds that life is a precious gift from God, and ending one's life goes against the inherent dignity and worth of human life.

As such, the Church's canonical laws state that a person who commits suicide is considered to have incurred a latae sententiae penalty- an automatic excommunication- based on the gravity of the offense. This excommunication means that the person is separated from the Catholic community and is unable to receive certain sacraments, including a full rite of funeral.

However, the Church recognizes that there may be extenuating circumstances surrounding a case of suicide, and it is up to the local bishop to determine whether a deceased person will be granted a full rite of funeral. The bishop can exercise discretion and dispense from the latae sententiae penalty in certain situations.

Factors considered by the bishop include the person's mental health, state of mind at the time of the act, and the degree of freedom and intention involved. If the bishop determines that the person was not in full possession of their faculties or had diminished responsibility due to mental illness or other external factors, a dispensation from the penalty and the granting of a full rite of funeral may be given.

It's important to note that the Church's stance on suicide is not to condemn the person but rather to acknowledge the seriousness of the act while also taking into account the complexities and challenges individuals may face in life. The focus is on providing comfort and support to the grieving family and community while upholding the Church's teachings on the value and sacredness of human life.