Karol Darmoros
Sanctity of life
As Vatican News emphasizes, the Pope expressed joy at the opportunity to address the event participants, stressing that the Catholic Church “consistently teaches that every human life, from conception to natural death, is sacred and deserves protection.” He added that “the right to life is the very foundation of every other human right.”
Dignity despite guilt
The Holy Father noted that even the most serious crimes do not deprive a person of their dignity. He also pointed out that modern penitentiary systems are capable of effectively protecting society without depriving convicts of “the possibility of redemption.”
Church Teaching
Referring to the teaching of his predecessors, the Pope noted that “the common good can be protected and the demands of justice met without resorting to the death penalty.” He emphasized the Church’s position that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it constitutes an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”
Papal support
The Holy Father expressed appreciation for the decision of the Illinois authorities in 2011 and assured his support for all those working to abolish the death penalty. He concluded the message with a prayer that these efforts would contribute to “greater recognition of the dignity of every person” and inspire others to act for justice.
