The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil.... I renew the appeal I made... for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary.
A Pilgrim Pope: Messages for the World (ed. Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1999) - ISBN: 9780740700453