Lisa Montgomery's execution continues to move the world. The reaction is understandable, given the fact that she is the first woman to be executed by the United States government in 67 years.
In 2018 Pope Francis changed part of the catechism and condemned the death penalty.
“The Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that 'the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,' and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.”
New revision of number 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the death penalty (02.08.2018)
The Community of Sant'Egidio, together with everyone who fought to save Lisa, expressed sorrow and indignation for her execution, despite a petition to verify her “state of serious mental distress.”
Sant'Egidio is known for fighting for the dignity of people in danger.
STEFANIA TALLEI
Community of Sant'Egidio
“The cause of death for these people is reported as 'homicide,' so it is the state that commits this homicide.”
From Rome, the community called for a day of prayer for Lisa Montgomery.
“Let us ask the Lord, who leaves His 99 sheep to search for the one lost sheep, to take care of our sister Lisa, who left us after there was nothing more we could do for her but entrust her to His mercy.”
The death penalty remains legal in 56 countries. In another 28, it is written into the legislation but has not been used in nearly a decade.
STEFANIA TALLEI
Community of Sant'Egidio
“Most of the people given a death sentence are from the United States. Fortunately, the death penalty has been abolished in Italy, in Europe and in Latin America. Much of Africa is also abolishing it. In Asia and in the Islamic world, the situation is more difficult. Central Asia has abolished it. People who are given a death sentence live in constant fear that they could be killed.”
The Community of Sant'Egidio also stated that “the horror of this death won't heal any wounds caused by violence; rather it injects high doses of hatred and despair into a society in need of good sense, rehabilitative justice, mercy and forgiveness.”
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: CT
