Pope Leo XIV Expresses Disappointment After Illinois Legalizes Medically Assisted Suicide
CHICAGO, Ill. — Pope Leo XIV voiced his deep disappointment this week following Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s decision to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law, a measure permitting medically assisted suicide for terminally ill adults. The Pope, a Chicago native, had personally urged the governor not to approve the legislation, emphasizing that it undermines the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
During a rare audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV spoke explicitly with Gov. Pritzker while the bill was pending, imploring him to reconsider. “Unfortunately, for different reasons, he decided to sign that bill,” the Pope told reporters outside Rome, expressing sorrow over the state’s new direction. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich also joined the effort to dissuade the governor, but their appeals were ultimately unsuccessful.
The law, colloquially known as “Deb’s Law” in honor of Deb Robertson, an Illinois resident who advocated for the bill while battling a rare terminal illness, was signed on December 12 and will take effect in September 2026. It allows eligible terminally ill adults to request and obtain life-ending medication following consultations with their physicians. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will oversee implementation, ensuring safeguards and protocols are in place.
Illinois is now among twelve jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, that permit medically assisted suicide, according to data from the Death with Dignity advocacy group. Seven additional states are currently considering similar legislation. Proponents argue the law offers terminally ill patients a compassionate choice to avoid unnecessary suffering.
However, the Catholic Church and other religious groups have strongly opposed the measure. The state’s six Catholic dioceses issued a statement condemning the law, warning it places Illinois on a “dangerous and heartbreaking path.” Pope Leo XIV urged all people, especially during the Christmas season, to reflect on the inherent value and dignity of human life. “God became human like us to show us what it means really to live human life,” he said, hoping respect for life will grow “from conception to natural death.”
Governor Pritzker defended his decision, stating the law provides terminally ill patients with autonomy and relief from pain. The legislation includes strict eligibility criteria and procedural safeguards to prevent abuse. The Illinois Department of Public Health will coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure compliance.
The debate over medically assisted suicide remains highly contentious nationwide, balancing ethical, religious, and medical considerations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services acknowledges the complexity of end-of-life care, emphasizing patient rights and informed consent.
As Illinois prepares to implement the new law, the conversation about the value of life and the rights of the terminally ill continues to evoke passionate responses from all sides. Pope Leo XIV’s disappointment underscores the enduring tension between evolving medical practices and traditional moral teachings.
Leave a Reply