[ultima ratio]

Wrong. The Pope changed the theological argument entirely. The Catholic Church has always upheld the right of the state to take the lives of those who commit serious crimes against society. This had always been considered a matter of NATURAL JUSTICE. It is the Pope's teaching, however, that human dignity PRECLUDES such punishment. This is contrary to all that the Church has affirmed throughout its history.

It's interesting to note that when Justice Scalia made note of this anomalous teaching of JnPII which is so out of line with past popes and teachings, he was castigated by neo-Catholics. Patrick Buchanan defended him thus: "For Scalia had not contradicted or defied any Catholic doctrine. Rather, it is the Holy Father and the bishops who are outside the Catholic mainstream, and are at odds with Scripture, tradition and natural law." (WorldNetDaily, February 8, 2002.)

[ninenot]

Wrong.

Description of Scalia's take on the ACTUAL words of the Pope. Refer to my earlier post.

The Pope may have argued that the death penalty, in his opinion, is not appropriate under any circumstances. BUT HE DID NOT CHANGE THE POSITION OF THE CHURCH.