Pope: Human dignity is not lost even after serious crimes are committed

Vatican, April 25, 2026: Pope Leo XIV expresses his support for those campaigning for the abolition of the death penalty in the United States and globally, while stressing the need to uphold human dignity.

The Church affirms “that the dignity of the person is not lost even after very serious crimes are committed,” Pope Leo XIV said in a video message released on Friday, April 24, addressed to those assembled at DePaul University in the United States to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the abolition of the death penalty in the State of Illinois.

He noted that he joined those present in marking this significant decision taken in 2011 and extended his “support to those who advocate for the abolition of the death penalty in the United States of America and around the world.”

“I pray that your efforts will lead to a greater acknowledgement of the dignity of every person, and will inspire others to work for the same just cause,” he emphasised.

Justice can be met without capital punishment

“Effective systems of detention can be and have been developed that protect citizens while at the same time do not completely deprive those who are guilty of the possibility of redemption,” the Pope underlined.

“This is why Pope Francis and my recent predecessors repeatedly insisted that the common good can be safeguarded and the requirements of justice can be met without recourse to capital punishment,” he continued.

He also referred to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, highlighting that the Church teaches that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”

The Pope further reiterated the Church’s teaching on the importance of safeguarding life from conception until natural death.

“The right to life is the very foundation of every other human right. For this reason, only when a society safeguards the sanctity of human life will it flourish and prosper,” he insisted.

Courtesy: Vatican News