What was Pope John Paul IIs most recent, and most startling statement on the death penalty?
• In the Trans World Dome at St. Louis on Jan. 27, 1999, the Pope urged: “Be unconditionally pro-life!” He appealed for a “consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary.” • “The new evangelization must also bring out the truth that “the Gospel of God’s love for man, the Gospel of the dignity of the person and the Gospel of life are a single and indivisible Gospel” (EV, 2). • “The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform (cf. E.V., 27). I renew the appeal I made most recently at Christmas for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary.” 45. Is it necessary
