Rome, Italy - For a world without the death penalty ...

Yesterday pope Francis, after the Angelus, said that “all Christians and people of good will are called today to work not only for the abolition of the death penalty”. 

In particular, the Holy Father appealed “to the consciences of government leaders” that they might join the “international consensus for the abolition of the death penalty” - and asked to Catholic leaders, as a “courageous and exemplary act,” to not carry out any death sentences during the Holy Year of Mercy.
Bergoglio made his remarks remembering the celebration today of an international convention for the abolition of death penalty, promoted by the Comunity of Sant’Egidio, with the title “For a world without the death penalty”.
“The commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill’”, Francis said, “has absolute value, and concerns both the innocent and the guilty,” and even criminals “maintain the inviolable right to life, the gift of God”.