November 30, 2011. (Romereports.com) (-ONLY VIDEO-) Benedict XVI greeted a delegation gathered in Rome that is working to abolish the death penalty. The group included members from Illinois where the death penalty was recently outlawed.

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I greet the distinguished delegations from various countries taking part in the meeting promoted by the Community of Sant’Egidio on the theme: No Justice without Life.

I express my hope that your deliberations will encourage the political and legislative initiatives being promoted in a growing number of countries to eliminate the death penalty and to continue the substantive progress made in conforming penal law both to the human dignity of prisoners and the effective maintenance of public order.  

Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims present, including those from the United States,  I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!