Pope Francis has called for the global abolition of the death penalty.
In his address to a joint meeting of the United States Congress in a first for the leader of the Catholic church, the pope said: “The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.”
“This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty. I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred.”
The 78-year-old Argentine pope also addressed the issue of immigration, which has sharply divided politicians in the United States, with many Republicans advocating anti-immigration policies.
“We are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners. I say this to you as a son of immigrants,” the 78-year-old Argentine pope said today (24/09/15), addressing the issue of immigration that has divided
“Building a nation calls us to recognise that we must constantly relate to others, rejecting a mindset of hostility in order to adopt one of reciprocal subsidiarity,” Pope Francis stated.
Referencing the refugee crisis in Europe as well as the United States’ own struggle with immigration from Latin America, Francis summoned politicians “to respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal.”
“We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best as we can to their situation,” Pope Francis urged.