Day 294: Homicide

The fifth commandment forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful. the murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance. Infanticide, fratricide, parricide, and the murder of a spouse are especially grave crimes by reason of the natural bonds which they break. Concern for eugenics or public health cannot justify any murder, even if commanded by public authority. CCC 2268

Today's reading from the Catechism is the shortest I've seen so far, just two brief paragraphs. Scripture is crystal clear that murder is gravely sinful (Ex 20:13), so perhaps that explains today's brevity.

The Catechism Companion Vol III has some good commentary on this:

Any form of eugenics is gravely sinful. Eugenics is eliminating part of the human race because of sickness, old age, or some aspect of that human being that society deems unwanted or undesirable. If civil authorities or governments are corruptly refusing aid to save the lives of their citizens, they are seriously at fault. If someone's greed causes others to go without food and die, that person is responsible for the deaths caused. (p. 104)