Pope Leo Condemns Capital Punishment Amid U.S. Execution Policy Changes

Pope Leo has once again condemned capital punishment, calling for its complete abolition as the United States escalates efforts to expand execution methods for federal inmates. Speaking to DePaul University on the 15th anniversary of Illinois abolishing the death penalty, Leo emphasized the Church's teaching on the sanctity of human life.

The pope stated that safeguarding human life is crucial for societal prosperity. His remarks came amid growing debate over execution methods, as the U.S. Justice Department seeks alternatives to lethal injections due to drug shortages. Proposed methods include firing squads and electrocution, aligning with Trump's capital punishment agenda.

This move has sparked controversy, as former President Joe Biden halted federal executions and commuted numerous death sentences. Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, has been vocal in his opposition to Trump's policies, frequently criticizing his administration's actions on various fronts, including immigration and international conflicts.

(With inputs from agencies.)