Skip to main contentAccessibility feedback
Background Image

When Was the First Human Soul?

Question:

If mankind evolved over thousands of years, when was a soul introduced?

Answer:

The teaching authority of the Church does not forbid that, in conformity with the present state of human sciences and sacred theology, research and discussions . . . take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution, in as far as it inquires into the origin of the human body as coming from pre-existent and living matter—for the Catholic faith obliges us to hold that souls are immediately created by God (Pope Pius XII, Humani Generis 36).

The Church teaches that the physical and genetic makeup of the human person can come from an evolutionary process. The soul, on the other hand, is something that was immediately created by God.

When that happened is open to theological speculation. The Church has no official teaching on when in the human soul first appeared in history.

Did you like this content? Please help keep us ad-free
Enjoying this content?  Please support our mission!Donatewww.catholic.com/support-us