24 September 2015 :

In his address before the United States Congress, Pope Francis called for “the global abolition of the death penalty” because, he said, "every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes."
He commended the United States bishops for their commitment to abolition. He went on to say, "Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation."
Sergio D’Elia, secretary of Hands off Cain, an Ngo endorsing the abolition of the death penalty worldwide, commented: “Perfect. Once again Pope Francis showed he deserved the “Abolitionist Of The Year” award by Hands off Cain”.
“His message –added D’Elia- is not aiming only to the abolition of the death penalty, but also to another kind of death penalty, the one in disguise of “life in prisoin”. “That of Pope Francis wants to be a cultural, juridical and legal reform policy that he himself indicates as necessary and urgent for all those states that want to respond fully to the rule of law, as well - he concludes – to the respect for human rights universally recognized by international covenants and agreements".