Catholic doctrine is unequivocal in its opposition to any form of suicide, but Canadian bishops have taken different positions on whether churchgoers who choose an assisted death should be absolutely barred from having an official funeral. Some religious experts say the schism is the product of Pope Francis's arrival at the helm of the Catholic Church in 2013, and his emphasis on tolerance and compassion. The document describes how physician-assisted death is a "grave sin" and contradicts the teachings of the Catholic church. Death by assisted suicide and euthanasia are grave violations of the law of God, the document says. But the church ultimately opposes assisted death and prefers palliative care, he added.

Source: CBC News October 09, 2016 20:59 UTC