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In his new encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti, @Pontifex writes that the death penalty is a "false answer" that "does not resolve the problems [it is] meant to solve" and introduces "new elements of destruction in the fabric of national and global society."
Pope Francis writes that "there can be no stepping back" from the Catholic Church's now-unequivocal stand against the death penalty. "Today we state clearly that 'the death penalty is inadmissible' and the Church is firmly committed to calling for its abolition worldwide."
Pope Francis also makes the keen observation that "fear and resentment can easily lead to viewing punishment in a vindictive and even cruel way, rather than as part of a process of healing and reintegration into society."
Pope Francis continues: "The firm rejection of the death penalty shows to what extent it is possible to recognize the inalienable dignity of every human being and to accept that he or she has a place in this universe."
Writing in a personal tone, Pope Francis says: "If I do not deny that dignity to the worst of criminals, I will not deny it to anyone. I will give everyone the possibility of sharing this planet with me, despite all our differences."
Appealing directly to Christians who remain hesitant about the Church's position against the death penalty, Pope Francis reminds all "to keep in mind the words of the book of Isaiah: 'They shall beat their swords into plowshares.'"
