Pope declares war on death penalty, Community of Sant'Egidio to lead the charge

[Tokugawa Sexgod Ieyasu]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/21/pope-francis-appeals-for-global-end-to-capital-punishment

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I know, I know, not news in that we knew this was the current Church position, but 1. not everybody knew that and 2. it's news that a big deal is being made of this.

[Figueira]

Good. I hope the Pope wins.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

I'm not as sanguine as recent popes have been that modern society has advanced to the point that capital punishment can not be justified. I will agree that the glee that some express in its usage does fall within the scope of an expansive interpretation of the commandment, thou shalt not murder.

[Enduro]

I do like the idea of putting a emphasis on reforming criminals.

[Sprouts Farmers Market ✘]

Amen! Hold people like Santorum's feet to the fire too. This, immigration, and environment should all be close 2nds to abortion among the Church's teaching.

[Sic Semper Fascistis]

Fantastic news. Of course the position itself is nothing new but, just like with redistribution and immigration, the fact that the Church is now willing to take a strong stand and actively promote its moral teachings in areas other than "social issues" is a major change, and I doubt anyone would have seen it coming a few years ago.

[DemPGH]

It is actually good to see them reverse course on this one in recent years. As late as 1865 the pope, of course, employed his own executioner, and the one I'm thinking of was a real psychopath who made beheading people an actual side job: None other than Giovanni Bugatti, the "Master of Justice." In full spectacle and under ritualistic fervor, he murdered approx. 515 people in the name of the holy father over a very long career.

[Why]

This should be none of the Popes business, but the Pope is more of a politician than a religious leader.

[Sic Semper Fascistis]

This should be none of the Popes business,

Like it or not (and God knows I don't always like it!), but taking position on the contentious moral issues of the day is the core of a religious leader's "business".


And yeah, my 2007-2009 self would probably slap me hard for saying that. Guess I have changed a bit over the years.