Letter From Cardinal Ladaria on Disposition of Last Remains

Cardinal Luis Ladaria, S.J., Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith,  has written to  USCCB  President  Archbishop  José  Gomez concerning newer techniques for the disposition of last remains that are touted as more ecological alternatives to cremation.  Cardinal Ladaria warns that “this practice implies an approach that, in fact, tends to eliminate any trace of a sense of the sacred and of effective pity for the mortal remains of the deceased.”   He also asks the  USCCB “to explain to the faithful the incompatibility of these practices with the teaching of the Catholic Church” and to make the contents of his letter known to the public.

While the instruction is somewhat vague in clarifying what some of the new “environmental practices” are, I share it with you in an effort to assist you in ministering to your parishioners who may be uncertain about the disposition of the remains of family members and what is consistent with Church teaching.

It is anticipated that the Committee on Doctrine of the USCCB will issue a more detailed instruction in the near future.  At that time, it would be my intention to pass it along to you and to the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton through our diocesan newspaper and social media outlets.

Please read the following Document: USCCB RE Disposition of Last Remains

Thank you.