I am very encouraged that global use of the death penalty has decreased for another year. However, hundreds of people are still being executed by their governments and in some countries, the number has increased dramatically – Bishop Declan Lang.

Capital punishment is “contrary to the Gospel as it implies suppressing a life that is always sacred in the eyes of the Creator, and of which only God is the true judge and guarantor”.

Paragraph 2267 of Catechism, revised by Pope Francis, says “Church works with determination for ... abolition [of death penalty] worldwide”.  

Justice is never reached by killing a human being.

“Every time I go into a prison I ask myself, ‘Why them and not me?’”

“The commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill’ has absolute value, and concerns both the innocent and the guilty,” Pope Francis said on Sunday.

Pope Francis message marking 49th World Day of Peace, calls people to overcome indifference and win peace. "God is not indifferent" - neither should we be.

Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles denies clemency to Kelly Gissendaner despite papal letter.

"The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.”

"Irreversibility of this punishment does not allow for eventual corrections in the case of wrongful convictions."

In a speech to members of the International Association of Criminal Law Pontiff highlights need to combat human trafficking and corruption.

If capital punishment is warranted, then it should be done without the involvement of medical professionals, argue doctors.