Pope Leo Calls for Global Abolition of Death Penalty

Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, has urged for the global elimination of the death penalty in a video message commemorating the 15th anniversary of its repeal in Illinois, his home state. This message was shared on Saturday, following the US government's deliberations on broadening the application of the death penalty, which may include firing squads. In his remarks, Leo emphasized that a person's dignity remains intact, even after committing grave offenses, and asserted that the right to life underpins all other human rights. He voiced his support for abolition advocates both in the US and worldwide. The death penalty is still permitted in over two dozen states, although several have ceased its implementation. Leo, who succeeded Francis last year, has upheld the Church's opposition to capital punishment.