Pope Leo Rebukes Illinois Governor Over Assisted Dying Law

Pope Leo has expressed disappointment with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker after the U.S. state enacted a law permitting medically assisted dying, underscoring the Catholic Church’s firm opposition to the practice and highlighting renewed tensions between religious doctrine and public policy.

Speaking to reporters in Italy, Pope Leo said he was “very disappointed” that the governor signed the legislation, despite earlier discussions between the two. The pope noted that he had clearly conveyed the Church’s position during a meeting with Pritzker at the Vatican, stressing that Catholic teaching does not support assisted dying under any circumstances.

The Illinois law allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to seek a prescription for medication to end their lives, provided strict medical and legal safeguards are met. Supporters argue the measure gives patients autonomy and relief from prolonged suffering, while critics say it raises ethical concerns and risks pressuring vulnerable individuals.

• Pope Leo criticises Illinois over law permitting medically assisted dying
• Vatican rebuke highlights clash between Catholic doctrine and US policy
• Illinois assisted dying law renews national debate on end-of-life ethics

The Catholic Church opposes assisted dying on the grounds that human life is sacred from conception until natural death. Church leaders have consistently argued that legalising such practices undermines the duty of care owed to the sick and elderly, and shifts medicine away from healing and comfort toward facilitating death.

Pope Leo’s comments are notable because pontiffs rarely address specific legislative decisions by individual U.S. states. His remarks signal a willingness to speak directly when moral issues intersect with public policy, particularly on matters the Church considers fundamental.

Illinois now joins a growing number of U.S. states that permit some form of medically assisted dying. The trend reflects changing attitudes toward end-of-life care, driven by demographic shifts, advances in medical technology, and broader debates over personal choice and dignity.

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The law is set to take effect next year, and its implementation is expected to face close scrutiny from medical bodies, legal experts, religious organisations, and advocacy groups. As Illinois moves forward, the debate over assisted dying is likely to continue nationally, balancing ethical concerns, religious beliefs, and patient rights without consensus in sight.