Pope Leo XIV Opposes US Expansion of Death Penalty
As the United States considers expanding its methods of capital punishment, Pope Leo XIV has again called for the complete abolition of the death penalty. In a statement addressed to the University of Chicago, he said the protection of human life must remain the foundation of every society.
In his view, the state should prioritize solutions that ensure public safety while preserving the possibility of redemption for serious offenders.
His remarks came shortly after he condemned executions in Iran and rejected capital punishment more broadly as an unjust interference in human life.
At the same time, the United States Department of Justice is considering broader execution methods, including electrocution and gas, because of shortages of substances used for lethal injection.
The proposal reflects the long-standing position of US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly supported restoring and expanding the death penalty at the federal level.