The Trump administration has unveiled plans to expand the federal death penalty in the United States, including the use of firing squads for executions. The announcement has drawn a swift response from Pope Leo, who reiterated the Catholic Church's opposition to capital punishment.
Department of Justice Announcement
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) released the new execution protocols earlier today, outlining legal justifications for various methods. The DoJ stated, 'Today, the Department of Justice acted to restore its solemn duty to seek, obtain, and implement lawful capital sentences – clearing the way for the Department to carry out executions once death-sentenced inmates have exhausted their appeals.'
The DoJ confirmed plans to 'readopt the lethal injection protocol utilized during the first Trump Administration,' which relies on pentobarbital as the lethal agent. Additionally, the protocol will be expanded 'to include additional manners of execution such as the firing squad.'
Pope Leo's Response
Pope Leo took to social media platform X this evening, appearing to criticize the administration's move. He wrote, 'The Catholic Church teaches that each human life, from the moment of conception until natural death, is sacred and deserves to be protected.' The Pope added, 'I offer my support to those who advocate for the abolition of the death penalty in the United States of America and around the world.'
He continued, 'I pray that your efforts will lead to a greater acknowledgement of the dignity of every person, and will inspire others to work for the same just cause.'
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
