The Pope writes Gov Ryan.

[softheart]

Pope issues plea to Governor Ryan for Blanket Clemency

Apostolic Nunciature

United States of America

22 August 2002

N. 15997/3424

Dear Governor Ryan,

I am writing to you as the Official Representative of His Holiness, Pope
John Paul II here in the United States of America.

The Holy Father has happily noted that you have declared a moratorium on
the executions of inmates on death row in the State of Illinois. For
this, He is most grateful and would like to express His heartfelt support
and blessings. The moratorium on the executions is a very positive step
towards a culture of life and of non-violence.

I am sure you are aware of the Holy Father's commitment to upholding the
sacredness and dignity of each human life, from the moment of conception
until the moment of natural death. For this reason He has made many
appeals to Heads of Governments, particularly in the United States, for
the eventual abolition of the death penalty.

The Holy Father would therefore like to ask you to take another step in
the defense of life by commuting all death sentences into life in prison
without the possibility of parole within the State of Illinois. It is my
sincere hope that you will give need to this urgent petition.

Before I conclude, I would like to humbly include my personal greetings
and I assure you of my prayers, for you, for your family and for the
exercise of your important responsibilities.

Respectfully and truly yours,

Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo
Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America

Phone: 1-217-333-7954
Fax: 1-217-244-1478
Email: committee@stopcapitalpunishment.org
Website: http://www.stopcapitalpunishment.org

[emme]

that is very cool.

[lulu]

It sure is.