VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope Francis called for a moratorium on executions during the Year of Mercy and said the fifth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," applies not only to the innocent but to the guilty as well.
"Even a criminal has the inviolable right to life, a gift of God," he said Feb. 21 after reciting the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square.
Marking the beginning of an international conference "For a world without the death penalty," sponsored by the Community of Sant'Egidio, the pope expressed hope that it will strengthen efforts to abolish the death penalty.
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