Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins, also called 'capital sins,' are vices which the Church's experience, following St. John Cassian and St. Gregory the Great, has distinguished (CCC 1866). They are pride, avarice (greed), envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth or acedia (CCC 1866).

Vices and Virtues

These sins are called 'capital' because they engender other sins, other vices. They represent a fundamental disordered orientation of the heart away from God and neighbor (CCC 1866).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we overcome these sins? Through the practice of the contrary virtues and the frequent use of the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist (CCC 1803-1811, 1865).