Pope Leo XIV expressed his support for the abolition of the death penalty in a video message directed at attendees of an event at DePaul University, marking the fifteenth anniversary of Illinois' decision to eliminate capital punishment. The message was released on April 24, 2023.
In his address, the Pope emphasized the significance of preserving human dignity, stating that "the dignity of the person is not lost even after very serious crimes are committed." He joined those gathered in celebrating the landmark decision made in 2011 and extended his encouragement to advocates for the abolition of capital punishment both in the United States and globally.
He expressed hope that efforts toward abolition would lead to broader recognition of every person's dignity and inspire others to engage in the pursuit of this just cause. The Pope underscored that justice could be achieved without resorting to capital punishment, citing effective detention systems that protect citizens while allowing the possibility of redemption for offenders.
Pope Leo XIV noted the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Francis, emphasizing their consistent advocacy for the belief that safeguarding the common good and meeting the demands of justice can occur without the death penalty. He referenced the Catechism of the Catholic Church, reiterating that the Church deems the death penalty inadmissible because it contravenes the inviolability and dignity of the individual.
Furthermore, the Pope reaffirmed the Church’s long-held belief in the sanctity of life, stating that this right is the foundational element of all human rights. He argued that a society must protect human life from conception to natural death to flourish and prosper.