Catholic Church teaching on the death penalty

The Catholic Church maintains an official stance against the death penalty. Discussions regarding this position often involve reconciling modern Church teaching with Old Testament passages, such as Genesis 9:6.

Interpretations of the Old Testament require understanding various literary genres, including historical accounts, sacred poetry, and moral laws. The Church views the Old Testament as a library of books where cultural context and the subsequent teachings of Jesus in the New Testament provide deeper layers of meaning and obligation for followers.