The Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations has urged the international community to abolish the death penalty during a meeting at the 81st General Assembly. Source: EWTN News.
Archbishop Christophe El-Kassis argued for an end to capital punishment during a meeting of the Third Committee on Wednesday, saying the defence of human rights must be “consistent and universal, extending to every person, at every stage and in every circumstance.”
Archbishop El-Kassis’ remarks come after Tennessee’s September 30 botched execution of convicted murderer Christa Pike, who survived the administration of two syringes of lethal pentobarbital and is receiving medical treatment.
A week later, Texas executed a man, marking the 30th execution carried out in the United States in 2026. Separately, President Donald Trump, on October 5, approved an execution by a military firing squad.
“The death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,” Archbishop El-Kassis said, quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “This God-given dignity is never forfeited, no matter the gravity of the crime. Advances in penal systems now allow states to protect society effectively without foreclosing the possibility of repentance and redemption.”
Archbishop El-Kassis emphasised that “there is no recourse” if the death penalty is carried out against an innocent person.
“Conversely, the victims and their families are entitled to solidarity, support, and a justice that is prompt, impartial, and humane. However, the taking of another life cannot restore what has been lost,” he said.
“The purpose of punishment is not vengeance, but rather to repair the social bond, protect the common good, and reintegrate the offender.”
He concluded by calling on states in the US where the practice is legal to “consider establishing, without delay, a moratorium on executions as a step towards abolition,” commute existing sentences, ensure fair trials, and enhance rehabilitation efforts.
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Holy See calls for abolition of death penalty at UN (By Madalaine Elhabbal, EWTN News)
