For centuries, the Church accepted the right of the state to take a life in order to protect society. But over time and in the light of new realities, Catholic teaching now recognizes that there are non-violent means to protect society and to hold offenders accountable. Church teaching now clearly argues for the abolition of capital punishment. Human dignity is not qualified by what we do. It cannot be earned or forfeited.
Human dignity is an irrevocable character of each and every person.
In the last decade, the Holy Father has reminded us that the purpose of punishment should never be vengeance. In this way authority also fulfills the purpose of defending public order and ensuring people's safety, while at the same time offering the offender an incentive and help to change his or her behavior and be rehabilitated. The reality is that the penal system in the United States, perhaps better than all other countries, has the ability to permanently isolate dangerous individuals. Now, even some death penalty supporters are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the status quo. In many states, underfunded and overworked defense attorneys struggle to keep up with large caseloads.