But how is the vice of smoking viewed in the Catholic Church, in moral terms? Is it a venial or mortal sin?

Dear Father Angelo,

I’ve always wondered this, which is a taboo, something no one talks about, especially in the Church: But how is the vice of smoking viewed in the Catholic Church, in moral terms? Is it a venial or mortal sin?

I’ll start by saying that I’m not a smoker…but I’ve often heard people say, “It depends on how much you smoke.” However, that’s an answer that’s not enough for me and doesn’t convince me, because even just one cigarette (or something else) is bad for you.

I’ve never heard it discussed, and it’s rarely found online. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like a Christian attitude or a good example to me when a priest smokes “between Masses” and arrives at church looking like he’s been in a ghetto (a sort of Eucharistic fast from smoking, right?)… or even when you go to confession and he smells terribly of nicotine (this also happens with sweat, but in that case it’s something else to consider…)… well, I’m confused.

I read a few years ago that as of January 1, 2018, Pope Francis has imposed a smoking ban on employees, religious figures, and diplomats:

What can be said about this?

Thank you very much in advance.

Francesco

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Priest’s answer

Dear Francesco,

1. The Church has never expressed a view on tobacco in its teaching. Since tobacco use can also have immediate beneficial effects, while keeping in mind that it is always toxic, it is evaluated in light of its dual effects, one good and the other bad.

The toxic effect is tolerated, as if it were an indirect voluntary act.

2. Undoubtedly, tobacco use has stimulating and calming effects.

In some people, it stimulates the thought processes and is a tonic for the body. In the past, many people used snuff for this very reason. Many clergymen did.

Even Saint Pius X, when he was Patriarch of Venice, passed it on to the young Perosi, who was choirmaster of St. Mark’s Basilica.

3. For others, tobacco use has a calming effect, distracting the individual.

Undoubtedly, this benefit also exists. It is especially noticeable in particularly anxious people.

But it should not be forgotten that when it was introduced to Europe about 500 years ago, it was used as a painkiller and an effective medicine against various ailments, starting with toothache.

4. Especially in the 20th century, it spread through cigarettes.

Of course, as has been noted, the toxic element is present. But it is treated with the same consideration as the side effects of any drug.

This is why the Church has never expressed a view on it in its teaching.

5. There is a risk that smoking can cause addiction in some people and cause serious damage to their bodies.

And indeed, health ministries rightly warn of the risks involved.

According to data from the World Health Organization, 1 million people die every year from diseases caused by smoking.

Considering that 40-50 million people die every year, the mortality rate and disease and mortality associated with smoking is truly high.

6. This is why anti-smoking campaigns are necessary, even if the results are so far very limited.

Pope Francis has banned smoking in and of itself, but he has prohibited smoking in the Vatican, as in many other public places.

Others cannot be made to pay for the effects of so-called passive smoking.

7. It remains, however, that it is not easy to quantify the sin, even for those who smoke excessively due to obvious personality disorders.

The waste of money by many people who, by quitting smoking, could instead earn merit for eternal life by giving in alms what they vainly consume through smoking, deserves a separate discussion.

I bless you and remember you in prayer.

Father Angelo

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