GOP presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) disagrees with Pope Francis' call to abolish the death penalty. Cruz told Politico that he respects Francis' views and the Catholic Church's teachings on the issue, but “as a policy matter, I do not agree.” Said Cruz: “I spent a number of years in law enforcement dealing with some of the worst criminals, child rapists and murderers, people who've committed unspeakable acts. I believe the death penalty is a recognition of the preciousness of human life, that for the most egregious crimes, the ultimate punishment should apply.”
Cruz said that the death penalty is an issue that should be left up to each state. Francis called for capital punishment’s “global abolition” and argued that any punishment should never preclude the chance for rehabilitation. “I am convinced that this way is the best,” Francis said. “Since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes.” (Separately, the Memphis Commercial Appeal quotes Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia as saying this week in a Tennessee speech that four Justices, one short of a majority, believe the death penalty is unconstitutional.)