Punishment that takes the life of the person and illegal in the UK.
Traditionally, it has allowed, but not encouraged.
In two famous letter from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, St Augustine emphasises the need to seek other punishments if possible.
Pope John Paul II's letter, Evangelium Vitae, suggested the death penalty should be avoided unless it is the only way to defend society.
(in regards to Pope John Paul II's letter) The position set out in the revised version of the Catechism: "Pope Francis has stated recently that he is against the death penalty, saying that is no longer justifiable, and that there is the possibility that the wrong person could be killed."
