Pope Leo XIV has publicly voiced his profound dismay after the US state of Illinois, where he grew up, passed legislation permitting medically assisted suicide.
A Personal Appeal to the Governor
The Pontiff confirmed on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, that he had held direct and explicit discussions with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, urging him not to enact the bill. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich also made a similar plea to the Democratic governor.
"We were very clear about the necessity to respect the sacredness of life from the very beginning to the very end, and unfortunately, for different reasons, he decided to sign that bill," Pope Leo stated to reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome. "I am very disappointed about that."
The Law and Its Advocates
Governor Pritzker signed the controversial measure, known as "Deb's Law," on 12 December. The legislation is named in honour of Deb Robertson, an Illinois resident with a rare terminal illness who campaigned vigorously for its passage.
Robertson and other advocates testified about the intense suffering endured by terminally ill patients and their families, arguing for the right to personally decide the manner and timing of their death. Pritzker said he was moved by these personal stories.
Church Teaching and Christmas Reflection
Pope Leo, citing fundamental Catholic doctrine, reiterated the Church's call to defend human life from conception until natural death, a teaching that forbids both abortion and euthanasia.
He issued a poignant invitation for reflection during the festive season: "I would invite all people, especially in these Christmas days, to reflect upon the nature of human life, the goodness of human life," he said. "God became human like us to show us what it means really to live human life, and I hope and pray that the respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence."
Wider Context and Reaction
The state's six Catholic dioceses collectively condemned the governor's decision, warning that the new law places Illinois on a "dangerous and heartbreaking path."
Illinois now joins a growing number of US jurisdictions allowing the practice. According to the advocacy group Death With Dignity, eleven other states and the District of Columbia have similar laws, with Delaware's provisions set to take effect on 1 January 2026. A further seven states are currently considering legislation.
