Pope Leo condemns death penalty in message to DePaul University

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Pope Leo spoke out against the death penalty and called for its abolition in the U.S. and worldwide.

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In a video message to DePaul University, the pope said every human life is sacred and the death penalty violates human dignity, even for those convicted of serious crimes.

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"The dignity of a person is not lost even after very serious crimes are committed," the pope said in the message. "Furthermore, effective systems of detention can be and have been developed to protect citizens, while at the same time, do not completely deprive those who are guilty of the possibility of redemption."

The message marks 15 years since Illinois abolished capital punishment.