Archbishop Christophe Z. El-Kassis, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, has called for the abolition of the death penalty, stating that defence of life must be consistent and universal, extending to every person at every stage and in every circumstance.Addressing the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on October 7, on the promotion and protection of human rights, the Archbishop reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s teaching that the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person. He stressed that a person’s God-given dignity is never forfeited, no matter the gravity of the crime.He noted that advances in modern penal systems now allow States to protect society effectively without foreclosing the possibility of repentance and redemption.
He also highlighted the irreversible consequences of miscarriages of justice when capital punishment is enforced.While victims and their families are entitled to solidarity, support and a justice that is prompt, impartial and humane, the Archbishop said, the taking of another life cannot restore what has been lost. The purpose of punishment, he said, is not vengeance, but to repair the social bond, protect the common good, and reintegrate the offender.Welcoming the abolition of the death penalty in many States and the introduction of moratoriums in others, he warned that executions continue in too many places. He recalled Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for efforts to abolish the death penalty, describing it as a measure that destroys all hope of forgiveness and renewal.
The Holy See urged States that retain capital punishment to establish without delay a moratorium on executions as a step towards abolition, to commute existing death sentences, to guarantee fair trials with adequate legal defence, and to invest in rehabilitation and restorative approaches.In a separate statement delivered on the same day on crime prevention, criminal justice and international drug control, Archbishop El-Kassis called for renewed determination in responding to expanding drug markets and the links between drug trafficking, corruption and criminal activity.Citing the UN’s World Drug Report 2026, he noted that organised criminal groups are exploiting technology and innovation to expand their reach and diversify their operations.
He said society and law enforcement should focus on identifying criminal networks and prosecuting major criminals, while also preventing drug use and reducing production and trafficking.He stressed that true justice cannot be satisfied with punishment alone and must include approaches marked by perseverance and mercy, aimed at the re-education and full integration of offenders into society.
The Archbishop called for comprehensive programmes for people struggling with addiction, particularly young people and those serving criminal sentences, providing access to medical treatment, psychological support and sustained rehabilitation. Prevention, he added, must be accompanied by quality education beginning within the family and strengthened in school, including accurate scientific knowledge of the harmful effects of narcotics.He concluded that the Catholic Church will continue to contribute to the common good and uphold the inalienable, God-given dignity of every human person.