394 RESPECT FOR THE DEAD-CHRISTIAN BURIAL

YOUCAT Lesson 394, June 12, 2015

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

94  How do Christians treat the corpse of someone who has died?

Christians treat the corps of a dead person respectfully and lovingly, realizing that God has called him to the resurrection of the dead.  [2300-2301]

Resurrection of Lazarus, painting by Leon Bonnat, France, 1857.

It is a traditional part of Christian funeral customs for the remains of a dead person to be buried in a dignified manner in the earth and for the grave to be decorated and tended.  Today the Church also accepts other funeral arrangements (for instance, cremation), as long as they are not interpreted in a way contrary to the belief in the resurrection of the dead.

II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

[2300-2301]

Respect for the dead

2300 The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; (Compare Tobit 1:16-18.)⁹² it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit. --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2301 Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious. --CCC 

The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. (Compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 1176 § 3.)⁹³ --CCC