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The Catholic Church Changes Its Teachings On The Death Penalty

Pope Francis says capital punishment is "inadmissible" in all cases.

The Catholic Church Changes Its Teachings On The Death Penalty
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Pope Francis has changed the Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty.

The catechism — a collection of the church's teachings — now reads, "The death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person."

Previously, the church said the death penalty was acceptable in extreme circumstances. But the new entry explains that the death penalty does not allow for the possibility of redemption after a serious crime.

The church says it will work to abolish capital punishment worldwide.