Cardinal explains position of Catholic Church on death penalty

Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo has clarified the Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty. In light of recent discussions regarding the Easter Sunday 2019 bombings, the Archdiocese of Colombo expresses its solidarity with the victims and emphasizes the importance of finding those responsible. The Church remains committed to seeking justice for the victims through the legal system of the country.

They acknowledge the need to educate people on preventing future attacks in places of worship and other locations across the country. All authorities should strive to prevent such tragedies. The Cardinal also stresses that the Church does not support the death penalty, as it goes against the principle of human dignity outlined in paragraph 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The Church trusts in the independence of Sri Lanka's judiciary and does not wish to interfere in their decisions. The Church encourages forgiveness and does not seek revenge but believes that individuals should forgive from the heart, while civil society and legal systems uphold public order, justice, and accountability through the established judiciary.