Would an accidental suicide cause the person to go to hell?

[bunny1]

I was brought up in the Catholic Church to believe that anyone who commits suicide automatically goes to hell. What about in a case such as a child accidentally shooting himself with a gun? I know this sounds horrific, but it is personal and I would like to hear some thoughts.
Thank you!

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

There was a time when a person who committed suicide was denied a Catholic funeral because it was assumed that the person had despaired. Today with a greater understanding of psychology, the Church recognizes that most people commit suicide to simply stop the pain whether it be physical or psychological.

So the Church does give victims of suicide a Catholic burial even if the suicide was not accidental.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.