Pope Leo XIV expressed his profound disappointment following the approval of a law in Illinois permitting medically assisted suicide, underscoring the need for a deeper respect for life. As a native of Chicago, Leo’s connection to the state adds personal weight to his concerns.

In a direct conversation with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Pope Leo XIV urged him to reconsider and refrain from ratifying the bill. He revealed that Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich had similarly reached out to the governor, echoing the same message. Speaking to reporters from his retreat in Castel Gandolfo, located just south of Rome, Leo emphasized their collective plea.

“We were very explicit about the importance of honoring life from its inception to its natural conclusion,” Leo remarked. “Regrettably, despite our appeals, the governor chose to enact the legislation, a decision that deeply disappoints me.”

Governor Pritzker officially signed the bill, known as “Deb’s Law,” on December 12. This legislation is named in tribute to Deb Robertson, an Illinois resident battling a rare terminal condition. Robertson, who provided testimony during legislative sessions, argued that the law would empower those enduring irreversible suffering to make personal and meaningful choices concerning their end-of-life care.

Pritzer signed the legislation on December 12. The measure is also known as ‘Deb’s Law,’ honoring Deb Robertson, a resident of the state living with a rare terminal illness. 

Robertson, who testified before lawmakers, said the legislation would give patients facing irreversible suffering the ability to make deeply personal end-of-life decisions. 

She had pushed for the measure’s approval and testified to the suffering of people and their families wanting the chance to decide for themselves how and when their lives should end. 

Pritzker, a Democrat, had said he had been moved by stories of patients suffering from terminal illness.

Pope Leo XIV said he was ‘very disappointed’ that his home state of Illinois had approved a law allowing for medically assisted suicide, and called for greater respect of life. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is seen on the left

Leo, who was born and raised in Chicago, said he had spoken ‘explicitly’ with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Tuesday and urged him to not sign the bill into law

‘This legislation will be thoughtfully implemented so that physicians can consult patients on making deeply personal decisions with authority, autonomy, and empathy,’ Pritzker said last week.

The clash places the Vatican at odds with a growing number of US states that have moved to legalize medically assisted suicide, setting up a broader moral and political debate as religious leaders warn of cultural consequences while supporters argue for patient autonomy at the end of life. 

Leo cited Catholic teaching, which calls for the defense and protection of life from conception until natural death, forbidding abortion and euthanasia.

He said the decision was particularly painful given the state’s deep Catholic roots.

‘I would invite all people, especially in these Christmas days, to reflect upon the nature of human life, the goodness of human life,’ Leo 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, from conception to natural death.’

In a joint response, Illinois’ six Catholic dioceses warned that the law places the state ‘on a dangerous and heartbreaking path,’ arguing it risks normalizing suicide rather than expanding palliative care and support for the dying. 

The law is set to take effect next year, with Illinois health officials responsible for drafting regulations and oversight procedures. 

Pope Leo XIV spoke to journalists as he left the Castel Gandolfo residence to head to the Vatican on Tuesday

The measure is also known as ‘Deb´s Law,’ honoring Deb Robertson, pictured, a resident of the state living with a rare terminal illness

Opponents, including Catholic organizations, have vowed to continue pressing for repeal or modification, while supporters prepare to defend the measure as similar legislation advances in other states. 

Eleven other states and the District of Columbia allow medically assisted suicide, according to the advocacy group, Death With Dignity. 

Delaware was the latest, and its provision takes effect on January 1. Seven other states are considering allowing it.