Pope Leo condemns death penalty as Trump mulls livestreamed execution

Pope Leo reiterated his opposition to the death penalty on Saturday, stating that it infringes upon the sanctity of human life and denies individuals the opportunity for redemption. This stance emerged just days after the Pentagon announced plans to livestream the execution of a gunman who killed 13 people at Fort Hood military base in 2009.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed on Thursday that the upcoming firing squad execution would be broadcast, marking an unprecedented occurrence in US military history. Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, emphasized in a social media post that the common good and justice requirements can be fulfilled without the use of capital punishment.

The death penalty is deemed unacceptable as it violates the inviolability and dignity of the person, he added on the World Day Against the Death Penalty. Nidal Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, is poised to become the first person executed by firing squad by the US military since 1945. The Pentagon's livestreaming plan, supported by Hegseth, has faced opposition from lawmakers, religious leaders and international observers, including President Donald Trump, who has not yet decided on whether to permit the live feed.

Vice President JD Vance, a practicing Catholic, expressed skepticism over the Pentagon's decision to livestream the scheduled December 3 execution, indicating he would not watch the broadcast if it proceeds. This execution plan unfolds amid ongoing debate in the US over capital punishment, following a botched lethal injection of a Tennessee woman last week.