What is the Church’s view of self-defence?

The Catholic Church recognizes the right to self-defence as a natural right. This right is based on the principle of legitimate defence, which states that one has the right to defend oneself, one’s family, and others from unjust aggression.

However, the Church also emphasizes the importance of avoiding violence whenever possible and the use of proportionate means in self-defence. While self-defence may be necessary for certain situations, it should always be a last resort and not used in a way that is excessive or disproportionate to the threat faced.

Furthermore, the Church teaches that love and forgiveness are fundamental Christian virtues that should guide our actions, even in the face of violence. This means that Christians are called to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts whenever possible and to strive to love and forgive even those who may seek to harm us.