Restorative Justice
Pope Francis has called us "to make compassion, love, mercy and solidarity a true way of life, a rule of conduct in our relationships with one another" (2016 World Day of Peace Message). A Catholic approach to criminal and restorative justice then recognizes that the dignity of the human person applies to both victims of crime and those who have committed harm. Justice includes more than punishment. It must include mercy and restoration. A simplistic punitive approach to justice can leave victims of crime with feelings of neglect, abandonment and anger making reconciliation and healing difficult. A restorative justice approach is more comprehensive and addresses the needs of victims, the community and those responsible for causing harm through healing, education, rehabilitation and community support. - USCCB