Lumen Gentium calls for loyal assent even to the ordinary magisterium. One can do this in a spirit of humility, asking God for the grace and insight to understand why the Church teaches what she teaches. It’s not easy where you have questions and doubts but that’s part of being a faithful Catholic. That applies to teaching, not to disciplinary actions.
I can hope that the capital punishment development might get further theological consideration. I think there could be a healthy debate among theologians about whether abandoning the retributive aspect is right. But for now, we have what the pope and the Catechism say: should virtually never need to be used. Which means we have to focus our efforts on making sure the innocent are defended, that dangerous criminals are paroled to kill again etc. Instead, the bishops concentrate on repeal. That’s a prudential choice on their part, not a teaching point, so I don’t have to agree with them on that.
I agree with you regarding capital punishment. I see Pope John Paul’s point, but due to the influence of liberals, convicts are released to kill again. Society is not protected.
Theology must also be developed regarding punishment for crimes that are so heinous as to justly deserve execution.
IMO, another thing worthy of consideration is just punishment and deterrent for the intentional (non accidental/manslaughter) of pregnant women, infants, and small children. I have often thought that the value of the lives of adults have been shown to be much greater than those of children through the relatively light sentences given for crimes against the latter.
I respectfully disagree. As between assent and dissent, I come down on assent. But there are some matters on which the magisterum is less definite than on others. Hence, as in the case of infallibility itself, the need for a formal, final answer. Certain other matters, as the prohibition of women priests enjoy such unanimous testimony in its favor that it must be taken as definite as the existence of the special priesthood itself. IOW, to accept it is to accept the Protestant denial of a sacerdotal priesthood. With regard to other matters, such as the immorality of the death penalty, it seems almost a novelty.