Rome, Apr 25 (LaPresse) – "The Catholic Church has always taught that every human life, from conception until natural death, is sacred and deserves to be protected. The right to life is indeed the very foundation of every other human right. For this reason, only when a society safeguards the sanctity of human life can it flourish and prosper." So said Pope Leo XIV in a video message sent to participants in the Celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Death Penalty in the State of Illinois, held at DePaul University in Chicago. "In this regard, we affirm that the dignity of the person does not diminish even after the commission of very serious crimes," he continues. "I therefore join you in celebrating the decision taken by the Governor of Illinois in 2011 and also offer my support to those who are fighting for the abolition of the death penalty in the United States of America and in the world," he concludes. "I pray that your efforts may lead to a greater recognition of the dignity of every person and inspire others to work for the same just cause. With these sentiments, I cordially invoke upon all of you the divine blessings of wisdom, joy and peace."