Capital punishment has long been a controversial topic, with strong arguments on both sides of the debate. However, Pope Francis has made his stance clear on the issue, stating that the death penalty promotes a deadly attitude of revenge and denies the possibility of change in the lives of incarcerated individuals. In a preface to a new book on prison chaplaincy, the pope emphasized that capital punishment is not the solution to violence and that it only fuels a sense of revenge that is harmful to society.
The pope’s words highlight the importance of focusing on allowing prisoners the opportunity to truly change their lives. He argues that investing money and resources in executions is a misguided approach, as it treats individuals as no longer worthy of living and disposable. Instead, Pope Francis advocates for a more compassionate and rehabilitative approach to criminal justice, one that offers hope and the possibility of redemption to those who have committed crimes.
The book featuring the pope’s preface, „A Christian on Death Row,“ shares the experiences of Dale Recinella, a lay Catholic prison chaplain who has worked with individuals on death row and in solitary confinement in Florida prisons. Through his work, Recinella has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of God’s mercy and the potential for positive change in the lives of incarcerated individuals. Pope Francis commends Recinella’s dedication and describes his work as a „living and passionate witness to God’s school of infinite mercy.“
In light of the upcoming Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis calls on Catholics to collectively advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. He emphasizes the need to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their past actions. The pope’s message is rooted in the belief that God’s mercy is boundless and that even the most heinous sins do not diminish a person’s identity as a beloved child of God.
In 2018, Pope Francis formally changed the Catechism of the Catholic Church to oppose the death penalty unequivocally. The revised entry in the catechism declares the death penalty as „inadmissible“ and calls for its abolition worldwide. The pope’s decision reflects his commitment to upholding the sanctity of life and promoting a more compassionate and merciful approach to justice.
Ultimately, Pope Francis’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness, redemption, and the potential for positive change in the lives of incarcerated individuals. By advocating for the abolition of the death penalty and promoting a more compassionate approach to criminal justice, the pope encourages us to see beyond the mistakes of the past and embrace the possibility of a brighter future for all.