Invoking the Golden Rule — "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" — Pope Francis on Thursday called on Congress to abolish the death penalty in the United States. "The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development," the Pope said, before adding that it also "reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development."
This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty. 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. Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation. [Pope Francis, via Vox]
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