UN General Assembly
2016

“[m]ercy is the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life”, especially those who are the weakest and most vulnerable. Drawing special attention to those who are in prison, the Pope has renewed his pressing appeal “to the consciences of leaders, that they come to an international consensus aimed at abolishing the death penalty”. Without authentic and absolute respect for life, there can be no development that is truly human, integral and sustainable. Precisely to foster that development, Pope Francis has instituted a new dicastery, or department, of the Holy See, the purpose of which is to promote justice, peace, the safeguarding of the environment and care of those most in need. The poor and needy are the human face of sustainable development that we wish to keep ever before us, so that we may become responsible agents of a more just and truly human society.