Christian beliefs lead to opposition to death penalty, patriarch says

ROME — Opposition to the death penalty is the “logical and moral consequence” of recognizing the dignity of all human life and of believing that each person deserves the possibility to repent of his or her sins and crimes, said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

While in Rome for a prayer meeting for peace with Pope Francis, the Orthodox patriarch spoke to Vatican News Oct. 20 about his reading of Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.

Community of Sant'Egidio