ILLINOIS — A newly revealed note from Pope Leo XIV, written in 2011 when he was still Robert Francis Prevost, is reigniting passion among Illinois anti-death penalty advocates. The message, addressed to then-Governor Pat Quinn, expressed gratitude for signing the state’s death penalty repeal into law.
Prevost’s words were clear and personal:
“Dear Governor Quinn, THANK YOU for your courageous decision in signing into law the elimination of the death penalty… You have my full support! Sincerely, Robert F. Prevost.”
The message, uncovered by the Chicago Sun-Times and reported by the National Catholic Reporter, was submitted through the Illinois governor’s website on March 9, 2011, the same day Quinn signed the abolition bill.
A Legacy of Moral Opposition to Capital Punishment
The note isn’t an isolated act. In 2015, Prevost — then Superior General of the Augustinians — also tweeted:
“It’s time to end the death penalty.”
That tweet, coinciding with a multi-outlet editorial by U.S. Catholic publications, called for Catholics nationwide to reject capital punishment.
The editorial was signed by the National Catholic Reporter, America, National Catholic Register, and Our Sunday Visitor, urging Catholics to “stand with us and say, ‘Capital punishment must end.’”
Catholic Mobilizing Network Calls It a ‘Consolation’
Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network, said the discovery of Prevost’s old message was moving — especially given the recent death of Pope Francis, a known critic of the death penalty.
“I was absolutely delighted,” Murphy told NCR. “These affirmations about Pope Leo and his commitment to ending the death penalty are consolations.”
She described Pope Leo as continuing a legacy of valuing human dignity, and affirmed that his public witness will help fuel the movement, even if the death penalty isn’t his primary issue during the early months of his papacy.
U.S. Executions Still Ongoing Despite Long-Term Decline
Murphy expressed concern about a recent spike in executions — noting that Florida and Mississippi each had scheduled executions within days of the interview. However, she emphasized the long-term trend is hopeful.
“Half the states have no death penalty anymore,” she said. “The long-term trajectory is on our side.”
Despite a post-COVID backlog in death penalty cases, execution rates remain historically low. Still, activists say public noise and advocacy are needed now more than ever.
What Can Catholics Do Today?
Murphy encouraged everyday Catholics to keep the issue visible:
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Write letters to governors and pardon boards
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Engage local newspapers
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Uphold life as a Gospel issue
“Death doesn’t have the last word,” Murphy said. “We are a people of life. And we should witness that — not only with votes, but with voices.”
As the church enters the Jubilee Year, activists see new energy behind abolition efforts — especially with the legacy of Pope Francis and now Pope Leo XIV as guiding examples.
Do you think Illinois has set the right example on capital punishment? Share your perspective at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
