Pope Leo XIV Condemns Death Penalty and Livestream Execution Plans

Pope Leo XIV has voiced strong opposition to the death penalty following the Pentagon’s announcement to livestream the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan. Pope Leo, noted as the first pope from the United States, shared his views on the social media platform X, stating, “The death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”

He emphasized that societal safety and justice can be achieved without resorting to capital punishment. According to Pope Leo, effective detention systems have been established to ensure citizen protection while allowing those convicted an opportunity for redemption.

The Pentagon’s confirmation of Hasan’s execution being livestreamed has sparked criticism among lawmakers across the political spectrum. In reaction, Archbishop Paul Coakley, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed his condemnation of the livestream plan on Friday. Coakley described the decision as “a barbaric promotion of a culture of death” and called for it to be reconsidered.

This issue is still unfolding, and further developments are anticipated.