Suicide

[M.SIGGA]

What is the Church's official position on suicide and do all suicides go to hell? I heard once that St. Catherine of Sienna spoke of a suicide who was saved because he sought forgiviness before the very second of his death when it was beyond turning back from dying. Does God hold suicides accountable for breaking the Commandment against killing? What if the person who died had emotional torture and anguish - do they still have to suffer again in hell? I know of a tradgedy like this that happened to a classmate and that person suffered tremendously in this life and should I still pray for his soul? Thanks.

[Adeodatus]

From the Catechism:

2325 Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope and charity. It is forbidden by the fith commandment.

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.

We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us.

It is not ours to dispose of.

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.

It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations.

Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

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.

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

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. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.

Because we can't know the state of mind of a person at the moment they die (even if they've left a clear suicide note) we can have God-given hope for them, that the mercy of God will enfold and embrace them. And we can and should pray for them with this firm hope. I will pray for your friend.