If so, why is the church so morally sure of it's position?
Doesn't the bible condone the death penalty?
Does Europe condone the Bible?
You wouldn't know it reading the mainstream media, but the Church does not condemn the death penalty, and never has. Even the new catechism merely says it OUGHT to be unnecessary with modern security methods, but that it is, and will always be, the right of the state to execute criminals to protect its citizens.
It's hard for non-Catholics to understand, but the Vatican is not a top-down corporation. Any Cardinal or official is pretty much free to speak his mind on political matters (as opposed to matters of faith). Just because a Vatican official says something to a reporter doesn't make it the Catholic position.
Cardinal Martino is good when speaking against abortion and the UN crazies trying to enforce it world-wide. He knows nothing about war or jurisprudence. Therefore, the MSM loves to quote him on those last two subjects, rather than consulting any of the many sharper knives you can find in the Vatican drawer.
Yes and the commandment is Thou shall not murder, not Kill. A very different thing.