Dear Michael:

Your analysis is essentially correct.

The Church teaches that suicide is objectively sinful. But in order for a grave sin to be counted as mortal to a person the person must have an unimpaired freedom and ability to choose.

Those who commit suicide are usually not mentally stable. As such their ability to make a rational decision freely is impaired. Since their free will is impaired by severe depression or other mental or emotional problem, the sin of suicide really cannot be charged against them. Most suicides have what is called "diminished capacity" and thus their culpability may be reduced or even eliminated.

Here is the Catechism on the subject:

Suicide

2280 Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.

2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.

Because most suicides are under "diminished responsibility" and thus most likely cannot be held fully responsible for their actions, the Church leaves the issue to God, prays for them, and thus allows the same funeral and burial benefits accorded to any person.

I would offer caution in the judgment that suicide bombers and  kamikaze bombers do not come under diminished responsibility. They might, we do not know, only God knows. Such "volunteer" suicides are under great cultural and personal pressure and propaganda to do what they do. I am not so sure that they volunteer from a truly free and unimpaired volition.

As for the "crazy" kids who shoot up schools and then kill themselves, they are clearly mentally disturbed and certainly qualify for "diminished responsibility." Only God knows, but given the mentally disturbed nature of such things we ought to presume the best and hope for the best for the souls of those children.

It should be said that because depression and other mental disorders may mitigate the penalty for suicide, this should not be used as an excuse or justification for suicide. We are presuming "diminshed responsiblity" here, we so not actually know. It would not be wise to gamble with one's soul.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary