Pope urges Mexico to respect life praises abolition of death penalty



VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Emphasizing the importance of protecting human life, Pope Benedict XVI congratulated the government of Mexico for its decision in 2005 to eliminate the death penalty. "One cannot insist enough on the fact that the right to life must be recognized fully," the pope said July 10 as he welcomed Hector Ling Altamirano as Mexico's new ambassador to the Holy See. Governments must enact laws and public policies that "take into account the high value that a human being has at every moment of existence," the pope said. "In this regard, I welcome with joy the initiative of Mexico, which in 2005 eliminated its capital punishment legislation, as well as the recent actions some states have taken to protect human life from its beginning," Pope Benedict told the new ambassador. The pope said he prayed that Mexico would be able to face its current problems with courage and determination so the nation would "continue on the path of freedom, solidarity and social progress."


Quote from Vatican News Service re same meeting:

"It cannot be overemphasised that the right to life must be recognised in all its fullness", Pope Benedict concluded. "In this context I joyfully greet the initiative by which Mexico abolished the death penalty in 2005, and the recent measures adopted by some Mexican states to protect human life from its beginnings. These resolute moves in such a fundamental question should be an emblem of your homeland, one of which it can be justly proud".