World · North America · 2 days ago
Pope Leo says death penalty is inadmissible as US plans execution livestream
Pope Leo XIV said the death penalty is inadmissible, arguing that justice and public safety can be protected without executions.
He made the statement on World Day Against the Death Penalty.
The comments come as US officials plan to livestream the firing squad execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, scheduled for December 3.
Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding 32 in a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, a US military base.
The Catholic Church’s teaching was changed in 2018 under Pope Francis to oppose capital punishment in all circumstances.
The planned livestream has drawn criticism from politicians across party lines, and a Vatican official called it unacceptable.
Vice President JD Vance has expressed doubt that the livestream will go ahead.
Pope Leo XIV said the death penalty is inadmissible, describing it as an attack on human dignity.
His statement came as the United States planned to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad.
Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding 32 others in a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood.
The pope said justice and public safety can be maintained without capital punishment.
The planned livestream drew criticism from political figures and the Vatican’s secretary of state.
- Who
- Pope Leo XIV spoke out against capital punishment. The planned execution is that of Nidal Malik Hasan.
- What
- The pope called the death penalty inadmissible as US officials planned to livestream Hasan’s execution by firing squad.
- When
- The pope made his statement on Saturday, World Day Against the Death Penalty. The execution was announced for December 3.
- Where
- The planned execution is in the United States. Hasan was convicted over a shooting at Fort Hood.
- Why
- The pope said capital punishment attacks the inviolability and dignity of the person. The sources do not state why officials plan to livestream the execution.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A shooting at Fort Hood killed 13 people and wounded 32 others.
Pope Francis amended official Catholic teaching to call capital punishment inadmissible in all circumstances.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Hasan’s execution by firing squad would be livestreamed.
Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment on World Day Against the Death Penalty.
- Planned execution
- Nidal Malik Hasan, by firing squad
- Scheduled date
- December 3
- Conviction
- Killing 13 people and wounding 32 others
- Shooting location and year
- Fort Hood, 2009
- Pope’s stated reason
- Capital punishment attacks the inviolability and dignity of the person
What people are saying
inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person
The common good can be safeguarded and the requirements of justice can be met without recourse to capital punishment.
unacceptable
livestreaming executions is what Jihadists do. America is better than that.
Sources
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