What does the Catholic Church say about tattoos?

Question

What does the Catholic Church say about tattoos?

Answer 1

I can find no Catholic teaching for or against tattoos.

However a point to ponder:

You are a masterpiece work of art, created in the image and likeness of the artist, God.

Would you go up to Leonardo Da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper" and try to "improve" it by adding your own touches here and there?

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Nothing, the Church is not into that.  Salvation is what they talk about.

Answer 3

The Catholic Church believes that tattoos in and of themselves are not immoral in any way. Leviticus 19:28 states "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh on account of the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord," but this is generally regarded as ritualistic law used to differentiate the Israelites from their occult neighbors rather than as an unchanging moral law.

The Church teaches that getting a tattoo can be immoral in certain circumstances, however. This would be if 1) it poses a significant danger to your health; 2) it is meant to be offensive; 3) it has a message that comes in conflict with love of God or neighbor; 4) it is gotten as a means of spiting others; or 5) its expense takes away from your ability to aid those in need.

Answer 4

Tattoo's are ok, but keep away from branding. They're not big into graven images.

peace