Story perspectives

Pope Condemns Death Penalty as Trump Expands Execution Methods

4/25/2026

Center

Trump Adds Firing Squads

Pope Leo XIV issued his second death-penalty condemnation this week, coinciding with President Donald Trump's plan to add firing squads.
President Donald Trump's Justice Department will add firing squads, electrocution and gas to executions, leaving three inmates on death row.
The pope sent a message to DePaul University marking Illinois’ 15-year death-penalty abolition anniversary.
The Justice Department said the change addresses drug shortages and aims to restore its duty.

Right

Trump insults Pope

President Donald Trump posted crude remarks about Pope Leo, prompting widespread criticism for disrespecting the pontiff.
Pope Leo delivered a video message to DePaul University in Chicago commemorating Illinois’ 15-year abolition of the death penalty.
Columnist Ross Douthat praised the pope’s paternal tone toward conservatives.
Claim God ignores war-makers’ prayers opposes doctrine, Douthat noted, citing Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle.

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasized the Justice Department’s plan to add firing squads, electrocution and gas to federal executions and noted the shortage of lethal-injection drugs, which Right coverage did not include.
Center coverage also noted that three inmates remain on federal death row, a point not mentioned in Right coverage.

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Trump Adds Firing Squads

Pope Leo XIV issued his second death-penalty condemnation this week, coinciding with President Donald Trump's plan to add firing squads.
President Donald Trump's Justice Department will add firing squads, electrocution and gas to executions, leaving three inmates on death row.
The pope sent a message to DePaul University marking Illinois’ 15-year death-penalty abolition anniversary.
The Justice Department said the change addresses drug shortages and aims to restore its duty.

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