Pope Francis Declares Capital Punishment Should Be Completely Abolished

 

 

Pope Francis has declared that capital punishment should be completely abolished. He conveyed this message on the X platform on the World Day Against the Death Penalty. Citing the teachings of the Catholic Church, he reminded everyone that such punishments undermine human dignity. He stated that justice and the common good can be ensured without resorting to the death penalty.

He added that modern prison systems are available today that can ensure public safety while also offering offenders an opportunity for rehabilitation. This statement follows the US Department of Defense's announcement that the execution of former Major Nidal Malik Hasan would be carried out by a firing squad and broadcast live. Although the United States was not explicitly named, prominent figures—including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin—had previously voiced strong criticism regarding the public display of a human death. There is widespread international protest against the decision to broadcast the execution live.