Holy See at UN: Moratorium on executions must pave the way for abolition

By Giada Aquilino and Francesca Merlo

The defence of life must be “consistent and universal, extending to every person, at every stage and in every circumstance”.

Archbishop Christophe Z. El-Kassis, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, reaffirmed this principle in a statement to the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on 7 October, addressing the promotion and protection of human rights.

Recalling the Catholic Church’s teaching that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”, the Archbishop stressed that a person’s God-given dignity “is never forfeited, no matter the gravity of the crime”.

Advances in penal systems, he noted, now allow States to protect society effectively “without foreclosing the possibility of repentance and redemption”.

Justice, not vengeance

Archbishop El-Kassis also highlighted the irreversible consequences of miscarriages of justice when the death penalty is enforced.

Victims and their families, he said, “are entitled to solidarity, support and a justice that is prompt, impartial, and humane”. However, “the taking of another life cannot restore what has been lost”.

“The purpose of punishment is not vengeance,” he continued, “but rather to repair the social bond, protect the common good, and reintegrate the offender.”

While welcoming the abolition of the death penalty in many States and the introduction of moratoriums in others, the Archbishop warned that “executions continue in too many places”.

He recalled Pope Leo XIV’s hope that “efforts are made to abolish the death penalty, a measure that destroys all hope of forgiveness and renewal”.

States that retain capital punishment, he said, should consider “establishing, without delay, a moratorium on executions as a step towards abolition”. They should also commute existing sentences, guarantee fair trials with adequate legal defence, and invest in rehabilitation and restorative approaches.

Tackling drug trafficking

In a separate statement delivered on the same day, addressing 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.

Drawing on 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, affecting how drugs are produced, trafficked, procured and used.

Society and law enforcement authorities, he said, should focus on identifying criminal networks and prosecuting major criminals, while also preventing drug use and reducing production and trafficking.

At the same time, “true justice cannot be satisfied with punishment alone”. These efforts must include approaches marked by perseverance and mercy, aimed at “the re-education and full integration of offenders into the fabric of society”.

Treatment, rehabilitation and education

Archbishop El-Kassis called for comprehensive programmes for people struggling with addiction, particularly young people and those serving criminal sentences. These should provide access to medical treatment, psychological support and sustained rehabilitation.

Prevention, he added, must be accompanied by adequate, quality education.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV, he stressed that “education must begin within the family and be strengthened in the school”, providing accurate scientific knowledge of the harmful effects of narcotics on the brain, the body, personal conduct and the wider community.

The Catholic Church, Archbishop El-Kassis concluded, will continue to contribute to the common good and uphold the inalienable, God-given dignity of every human person.