The clear and decisive words with which
Pope Francis has repeatedly condemned the death penalty should also be
reflected in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In his speech last October,
for the 25th anniversary of its publication of the Catechism, the Pontiff
explicitly addressed the issue by affirming that the subject ought to find in
the Catechism “a more adequate and coherent treatment”. In continuity with the
previous Magisterium, in particular with the statements of John Paul II and
Benedict XVI, the Pope wanted to emphasize the dignity of the person who in no
way can be humiliated or ostracized: “It must be clearly stated that the
