Is lying a sin if done to protect someone from death?
The short answer
The right to the truth is not unconditional, and no one must reveal the truth to someone without a right to it — such as a would-be murderer seeking his victims. One should try to avoid lying directly, but fear for the innocent and unjust pressure could lessen culpability if one slips into a lie.
The right to truth is limited
The Catechism teaches that the right to the communication of truth is not unconditional. Charity and respect for truth should govern every response; the good and safety of others, privacy and the common good are reasons for silence or discreet language, and no one must reveal the truth to someone without a right to know it (CCC 2488-2489).
Withholding the truth
So it can be licit to withhold the truth — for example, not revealing where people in danger of being murdered are hiding.
Avoid lying if possible
One should try to avoid a direct lie. But fear for the innocent and unjust pressure could lessen culpability if one inadvertently crosses into lying.
Continue exploring
- If I said something false, realized it, and took it back, did I lie?Q&A
- When does communicating information turn into gossip?Q&A
- When does gossip become a mortal sin?Q&A
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- Are distinctions like these just legalism?Q&A
- Are marital relations not supposed to be pleasurable, since they are for reproduction?Q&A