[xoxox]

never bought the “universal acceptance” argument. in the first place, it’s easily faked.

separately, His Holiness was quoted as saying that the thief on the cross, being accepted by Jesus, is an argument against the death penalty (according to EWTN Nightly new, unless I somehow misunderstood what I heard).

it seems to me that it’s an argument for the death penalty, because were it not for the death penalty, there would have been no thief on the cross for Jesus to accept. And who know if the thief would ever have repented, were it not for the death penalty putting him on his cross.

meh, meh, meh.

[xoxox]

...and now that I think about it, if there were no death penalty, would not have been crucified. And if He had not been crucified, there would be no salvation of the human race.

no wonder [they] hate it.

[Dr. Sivana]

His Holiness was quoted as saying that the thief on the cross, being accepted by Jesus, is an argument against the death penalty

Also, the Good Thief said he DESERVED his fate, and is NOT contradicted by Truth Himself. (Luke 23:40-41, Douay-Rheims)

40 But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art condemned under the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done no evil.