Pope: Supporting Death Penalty Isn't Pro-Life
Pope Leo XIV challenged American pro-life advocates who support the death penalty. He questioned the consistency of opposing abortion while backing capital punishment. The comments came during a Catholic Church dispute over honoring pro-abortion rights politicians.
Pope Leo XIV entered the U.S. abortion debate for the first time on Wednesday. He challenged contradictions in what Americans consider pro-life values. The Chicago-born pontiff spoke to crowds at the Vatican.
Someone who says 'I'm against abortion but for the death penalty' isn't truly pro-life, the Pope stated. He made these remarks during an ongoing conflict within the American Catholic Church. The dispute involves plans to honor Senator Dick Durbin for his immigrant assistance work. Some bishops oppose awarding Durbin because he supports abortion rights.
The Pope noted that both sides deserve respect. He then questioned another inconsistency in political positions. Someone who claims to be anti-abortion but accepts inhumane treatment of immigrants might not be pro-life either, he observed.
This marks the first time the new Pope has directly engaged with U.S. political debates. His comments highlight the challenge religious leaders face when political alliances create moral contradictions. The American Catholic community remains divided on how to engage with politicians who support some church teachings while opposing others.