Pope Encourages Elimination of the Death Penalty

Pope Benedict XVI encouraged organizers from around the world to continue their work to end the death penalty. He spoke to participants, including a delegation from Illinois, who were attending a conference sponsored by the lay movement Community of Sant’Egidio:

 

“I express my hope that your deliberations will encourage the political and legislative initiatives being promoted in a growing number of countries to eliminate the death penalty,” said His Holiness, “and to continue the substantive progress made in conforming penal law both to the human dignity of prisoners and the effective maintenance of public order.”