While I cannot comment on specific legal cases or allegations, I can provide information on the Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty.

Catholic Church's evolving view on the death penalty

• Traditional Teaching: The Catholic Church formerly accepted the death penalty under limited circumstances 1 2 3. It was viewed as a last resort when it was the only way to effectively defend human lives against an aggressor 2 3. The Catechism of the Catholic Church stated that if bloodless means were sufficient to defend against an aggressor and protect public safety, public authority should limit itself to those means 3.
• Modern View: The Church's view has evolved, with a growing opposition to the death penalty 4 2. There is an increasing demand, both in the Church and civil society, for its application to be very limited or even completely abolished 4.
• Pope John Paul II's perspective: Pope John Paul II stated that due to improvements in penal systems, cases where the death penalty is absolutely necessary are very rare, if not practically non-existent 5 4.
• Pope Francis's perspective: Pope Francis has stated that the death penalty is unacceptable, no matter how serious the crime 6 7. He considers it an offense against the inviolability of life and the dignity of the human person, contradicting God's plan for humanity 6. Pope Francis has also suggested that life sentences are a "death penalty in disguise" because they remove the possibility of moral and existential redemption 8 9.
• Current Catechism: The Catechism has been revised to reflect the inadmissibility of the death penalty, as it is considered an attack on the dignity of the person 9 7.
• Reasons for opposition: The Church's opposition is based on several factors:
  • Dignity of human life: Every human being possesses inherent dignity, even those who have committed terrible crimes 9 6 10.
  • Possibility of redemption: The death penalty denies the person the possibility to make amends or repent 9 6.
  • Risk of error: The criminal justice system is fallible, and there is always a risk of judicial error 8 6 7.
  • Alternative means: Modern society has means to protect itself without resorting to the death penalty 2 10.
• Call to action: All Christians and people of good will are called to fight for the abolition of the death penalty in all its forms and to improve prison conditions with respect for human dignity 8.

Other considerations

• Legitimate defense: The Church acknowledges the need for measured reactions to prevent aggressors from causing harm, which may result in their elimination in certain circumstances 6. However, these prerequisites of legitimate personal defense are not applicable in the social sphere without the risk of distortion 6.
• Victims of crime: Society has a duty to defend life against violence and to reach out to victims of crime 1. However, the death penalty does not render justice to the victims but rather foments revenge 6.

In summary, while the Catholic Church previously allowed for the death penalty in very limited cases, its current stance, particularly under Pope Francis, is that it is inadmissible due to its violation of human dignity and the availability of alternative means to protect society.