Expert: Edward Bode - 2/20/2005

Question
Hello. If a catholic commits suicide for whatever reasons, mental illness, depression, etc.  ,can he/she have a catholic burial.  Of course the Church has a stance on suicide, and I was wondering what it is in regard to salvation. Thank you for your time.

Answer
The Church currently allows a Catholic funeral Mass for persons who committed suicide.
The Catholic Catechism [Vatican edition, #2280-3], after describing the serious moral offense of suicide, notes, "Grave psychological distrubances, anguish or grave fear of hardship, suffering or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.  We should not despair of eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives.  By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentence.  The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives."
I hope these thoughts are a help, Chris.
As always, best wishes.