ATLANTA—Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory will celebrate Mass for the abolition of the death penalty on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. The Mass will be held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 353 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta.

During his recent visit to the U.S., Pope Francis in his address to the Congress said, “The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development. This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty. I am convinced that this way is the best, 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.”

All are invited to attend the Mass to pray for the abolition of the death penalty in the United States and around the world.