Pope Leo XIV has voiced his open opposition to the death penalty, describing the execution of convicted prisoners as a violation of the dignity and sanctity of human life.
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In a message published for the International Day Against the Death Penalty, the head of the Catholic Church stressed that public order and justice can be upheld without resorting to executions.
According to the Pope, this form of punishment is unacceptable, while effective detention systems can guarantee citizens’ protection without completely depriving convicted individuals of the possibility of repentance and rehabilitation.
His position has been made public at a time when opposition has grown in the United States to plans to broadcast a firing-squad execution live.
According to reports, Nidal Hassan, a former U.S. Army major sentenced to death for the 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, is expected to be executed on December 3.
The proposal to broadcast the execution has drawn reactions from United Nations representatives and American politicians from both parties, Democrats and Republicans.
In his statement, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that ensuring citizens’ safety and enforcing justice do not make it necessary to take the lives of convicted individuals.
He also pointed out that detention systems must protect society while leaving open the possibility of repentance and rehabilitation.
