The Catholic Church today shifted its stance on suicide stating those who kill themselves should be regarded with compassion rather than blamed.

Suicide is still regarded as a sin by the Church but in an attempt to soften its image on the subject a senior cleric said the act now needs to be viewed in the context of mental health.

The auxiliary bishop of Westminster, the Rt Rev Bernard Longley, said: “Suicide is a grave sin, but an individual must be mentally healthy to be fully aware that what they are doing is a sin.

“When a person commits suicide, they are generally so clouded by confusion and despair as to be no longer in full control of their mental faculties.

“God does not condemn anyone not fully aware of what they are doing - His mercy is without end.”

His remarks come as the Catholic Church in England and Wales prepares to deliver 350,000 leaflets on suicide to parishes in advance of its Day for Life on July 26.

The Church said it was attempting to highlight the pressures that lead people to commit suicide and the support services available to people suffering from mental illness and depression.

It was also seeking to counter misunderstandings about Catholic teaching on suicide including a widespread belief that the Church forbids a Catholic funeral for victims.

Bishop Longley said the families and friends of people who committed suicide suffered “acutely” and suicide should never be romanticised or encouraged.

But he said attempting suicide was “typically” the act of a desperate person and it should be greeted with compassion rather than with blame.