Francis calls for abolishment of death penalty

Pope Francis, a strong advocate for criminal justice reform, renewed his call to abolish the death penalty on Thursday during his speech to Congress.

“The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development,” said the pope, drawing loud applause and a standing ovation from lawmakers.

{mosads}“This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty,” he added.

Francis has been a leading voice pushing for criminal justice reform around the world, and he is expected to raise awareness about the issue again later this week when he visits a Philadelphia prison.

The religious leader has criticized not only the death penalty but also life sentences and solitary confinement. “A just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation,” he said Thursday.

“I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes,” he said.

The pope’s call to end the death penalty comes as lawmakers are working on criminal justice legislation that would likely reduce some prison sentences for non-violent crimes.