Is Abortion ‘Fake Compassion’? Why Pope Leo’s First Major Vatican Speech Condemning Abortion, Surrogacy and Euthanasia Is Reigniting a Global Moral Debate

Is the world redefining compassion in a way that undermines human dignity? In his first major address at the Vatican, Pope Leo has taken a firm stance against abortion, surrogacy, and euthanasia, branding them as practices that distort the true meaning of compassion and threaten the sanctity of human life.

Speaking on issues ranging from justice and prisoners’ rights to family life and the protection of vulnerable groups, the new pontiff described abortion as a direct rejection of life, stating that it “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.” He warned against what he called “deceptive forms of compassion” promoted by modern societies, arguing that true compassion must defend life rather than eliminate it.

Pope Leo framed his message within a broader reflection on human dignity, emphasizing that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and are called to love. According to him, this calling finds its clearest expression within the family—an institution he said is now under sustained pressure worldwide. He identified two major challenges facing families today: neglect by international systems and the rise of fragile, broken households afflicted by internal struggles, including domestic violence.

Stressing the moral responsibility toward unborn children, the Pope said the union between a man and a woman carries an ethical obligation to protect life. He condemned growing international efforts to expand access to abortion across borders, expressing deep concern over projects that fund “cross-border mobility” for what he described as the “so-called right to safe abortion.” He called it “deplorable” that public resources are used to suppress life rather than support mothers and families, insisting that governments should prioritize protecting unborn children while providing concrete assistance to women facing difficult pregnancies.

Beyond abortion, Pope Leo also denounced surrogacy, describing it as a practice that strips both women and children of dignity by turning pregnancy into a negotiable service. He argued that such arrangements reduce children to commodities and exploit women’s bodies, distorting the natural and relational foundation of the family.

The pontiff further criticized euthanasia, again labeling it a misleading form of compassion, and urged states to invest in palliative care and authentic solidarity instead of policies that hasten death. In the same address, he spoke out on prisoners’ rights, political detainees, migrants, and the abolition of the death penalty, which he described as a punishment that “destroys all hope of forgiveness and renewal.”

The speech marks the clearest articulation yet of Pope Leo’s moral priorities and signals what many observers see as a continuation—and possible intensification—of the Vatican’s opposition to abortion, surrogacy, and euthanasia. As governments, activists, and faith communities worldwide remain sharply divided on reproductive rights and end-of-life policies, the Pope’s remarks have reignited a global conversation: Is modern society redefining compassion in ways that contradict the protection of life, or is the Vatican standing against changing realities of human rights and personal choice?

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk Warns Israel Against Death Penalty Bills Targeting Palestinians, Says Proposed Laws Violate International Law

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on Israeli authorities to abandon proposed legislation that would introduce mandatory death sentences, warning that the bills violate international law and fundamental human rights standards. The proposed laws, currently before the Israeli Knesset, seek to lower the threshold for imposing capital punishment and would apply almost exclusively to Palestinians, particularly those tried under military law in the occupied West Bank.

Türk said the bills raise serious concerns about discrimination, due process violations, and breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law, stressing that the United Nations opposes the death penalty under all circumstances. He warned that mandatory death sentences, which remove judicial discretion, violate the right to life enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and carry an unacceptable risk of executing innocent people.

According to the UN, the legislation would require military courts to impose death sentences for intentional killing and amend Israel’s Penal Law to introduce capital punishment for acts defined as terrorism involving the killing of Israelis. Türk noted that the proposals appear explicitly discriminatory, citing language in the bills and public statements suggesting they are intended to apply only to Palestinians, many of whom are convicted after what the UN describes as unfair trials.

The High Commissioner also warned that parts of the legislation could be applied retroactively to cases linked to the October 7, 2023 attacks, violating the principle of legality, and criticised vague definitions that could allow arbitrary use of the death penalty. He further cautioned that denying Palestinians in occupied territories fair trial guarantees under the Fourth Geneva Convention could amount to war crimes. The UN human rights office has urged Israeli lawmakers to halt the legislative process and ensure that any criminal justice measures uphold equality, due process, and the protection of life under international law.

Nigerian House of Representatives Proposes New Constitutional Law to Protect Pregnant Women on Death Row, Commute Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment

The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a major constitutional amendment aimed at protecting pregnant women sentenced to death and safeguarding the lives of their unborn children. The proposal, adopted by the House Committee on Constitution Review chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, seeks to amend Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution to ensure that any pregnant woman convicted of a capital offence is sentenced to life imprisonment instead of death.

Under the proposed new subsection, courts would be required to commute death sentences once pregnancy is proven, recognising the unborn child’s right to life. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, praised the bill as humane and progressive, arguing that executing a pregnant woman amounts to the unjust killing of an innocent unborn child. He cited international human rights principles, U.S. constitutional arguments, and moral considerations in support of the amendment.

Constitutional lawyer Abdul Mahmud also endorsed the proposal, describing it as a balanced effort to align criminal justice with evolving global human rights standards, while raising broader questions about the continued relevance of the death penalty in Nigeria.

In addition, the House proposed a separate amendment to guarantee Nigerians’ right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment, including access to environmental information and accountability for pollution. The twin proposals reflect a broader legislative push toward human rights protection, environmental justice, and constitutional reform in Nigeria.

Tinubu Declares Bandits as Terrorists, Pledges No Mercy for Violent Criminals

President Bola Tinubu has officially classified bandits and other armed non-state actors as terrorists, promising that his administration will adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward violent crimes. Announcing the policy while presenting the 2026 budget to the National Assembly, Tinubu said acts such as banditry, kidnapping, militancy, and armed gang activities will now be treated as terrorism. The new national security framework emphasizes unified command, intelligence gathering, community stability, and counter-insurgency, with increased funding tied to measurable outcomes. The Nigerian Senate has also backed similar measures, including a maximum death penalty for kidnapping-related offences and the establishment of a new Joint Task Force to secure high-risk areas.

Tinubu Government Warns Death Penalty for Kidnappers, Terrorists Could Worsen Insecurity in Nigeria

The Tinubu administration has cautioned lawmakers against imposing the death penalty for kidnapping and terrorism offences, warning that it could exacerbate Nigeria’s security challenges. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) told a Senate hearing that capital punishment may fuel extremist narratives, hinder international cooperation, and create legal and moral complications due to difficulties in execution and the irreversible nature of death sentences. The government stressed that alternative punitive measures should be considered to effectively combat terrorism while maintaining Nigeria’s credibility in global counterterrorism efforts.

Saudi Arabia Records Highest Number of Executions in a Single Year after 340 Deaths

Saudi Arabia has set a new annual record for executions after authorities confirmed that three people were put to death on Monday, according to an AFP tally.

With these latest executions, the kingdom has carried out 340 death sentences so far in 2025. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has ranked behind only China and Iran among countries that most frequently apply the death penalty.

State Police, death penalty for kidnappers’ll address insecurity.

~ South West leaders say

Nigerian Army Rescues Four Kidnap Victims in Waterborne Operation in Bakassi

The Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade has rescued four kidnapped civilians during a coordinated waterborne operation in Bakassi, Cross River State. The rescue took place on December 2, 2025, after troops on routine patrol intercepted armed militants transporting the victims by boat toward Cameroon. The militants opened fire but fled after soldiers responded with superior firepower. All victims were recovered unhurt with their belongings, and no troops were injured. Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena praised the soldiers’ professionalism and reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across coastal and riverine corridors. The incident unfolds amid rising kidnapping cases across Nigeria, prompting the Senate to advance a bill classifying all kidnapping offences as terrorism and prescribing the death penalty.


#Bakassi_kidnapping_rescue

#Nigerian_Army_13_Brigade

Bill Seeking Death Penalty For Kidnappers, Hostage-Takers Scales Second Reading At Senate
The proposed amendment seeks to formally designate kidnapping and hostage-taking as acts of terrorism under Nigerian law.

Bill Seeking Death Penalty For Kidnappers, Hostage-Takers Scales Second Reading At Senate
The proposed amendment seeks to formally designate kidnapping and hostage-taking as acts of terrorism under Nigerian law.

Afghan National Charged in DC National Guard Shooting After Allegedly Shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’


Federal prosecutors say Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, shouted “Allahu akbar” as he opened fire on two National Guard members near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C. Lakanwal, who legally entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome in 2021, allegedly drove cross-country with a .357 revolver before ambushing the troops on November 26.

National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were struck by the gunfire. Beckstrom later died, while Wolfe remains hospitalized and fighting for his life. Court documents state that a supervisor returned fire and a witness tackled the suspect as he attempted to reload, leading to his arrest.

Lakanwal, appearing remotely from a hospital bed, pleaded not guilty to charges including assault with intent to kill, murder, and firearms offenses. A judge ordered him held without bond, and Attorney General Pam Bondi says the Department of Justice will seek the death penalty. Authorities continue investigating the motive behind the attack.


#NationalGuardshooting

#RahmanullahLakanwal

#WashingtonDCattack

#Afghanrefugeesuspect

#OperationAlliesWelcome

#SarahBeckstrom

#AndrewWolfe

#FoxNewsreport

#USsecurityincidents

BREAKING: Pam Bondi announces she will elevate the charges of the National Guard shooter to murder and seek the death penalty.

Isn’t this the same punishment Trump suggested for the 6 lawmakers who are former veterans?

Senates proposes death penalty for kidnappers.

The Nigerian Senate has adopted a resolution categorizing kidnapping as a form of terrorism and calling for amendments to the Terrorism Act to ensure the strictest punishment is applied.

During Wednesday’s plenary session, senators agreed that any individual convicted of kidnapping should automatically face the death penalty once the law is revised.

The decision reflects growing concerns over the rising rate of abductions in the country and the urgent need for stronger deterrent measures.

“The resolution mandates that, upon conviction for kidnapping, the death penalty must be enforced,” the Senate stated.

Lawmakers emphasized that this move is aimed at curbing the menace and sending a strong warning to criminals

Court Debunks Assassination Rumour on Judge Who Sentenced Nnamdi Kanu — Labels Viral Claims ‘Fake News’


The Federal High Court has firmly denied a viral report alleging that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt days after sentencing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.

The rumour, circulated by a Facebook blogger, claimed the judge was attacked and rushed to the hospital. However, in an official statement on Sunday, Chief Registrar Sulaiman Hassan described the story as completely false, unfounded, and designed to mislead Nigerians.

The statement, titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho”, urged the public to disregard the report and refrain from spreading misinformation.

“We firmly and unequivocally declare that the said report is completely false,” the court stated.
“The public is advised to treat this publication as fake news.”

Hassan expressed concern over the motive behind the fabrication, noting that such claims could spark panic and undermine confidence in the judiciary. He called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind the malicious publication under cybercrime and defamation laws.

BACKGROUND ON THE CASE
Justice Omotosho had on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on terrorism charges. While several counts carried the death penalty, the judge opted for leniency, saying:

“As a Christian, I chose to be merciful.”

Kanu received life sentences on multiple counts, with additional terms running concurrently. The court also ordered his transfer to protective custody outside Kuje Prison and restricted his access to digital devices.

The judge further ruled that Kanu’s seized radio transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government, with DSS allowed to pursue forfeiture of additional exhibits.

Describing the IPOB leader as “unruly” and “not remorseful,” Justice Omotosho maintained that the defendant still demonstrated “a tendency of violence.”

FG Demands Death Sentence For Nnamdi Kanu After His Conviction

The Federal Government has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his conviction on seven counts of terrorism on Thursday.

Nigerian Senate passes bill imposing life imprisonment for child defilement no option if fine.

In a landmark move to curb rising cases of sexual violence, lawmakers push for harsher penalties — as a Lagos court simultaneously hands life sentence to a man for raping a 7-year-old girl.

Senate President
The Nigerian Senate is currently trending after passing a tougher bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, with no option of fine, in a bid to combat the alarming rise in child sexual abuse across the country.

The new amendment, which replaces the existing provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Penal Code, was strongly championed by Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), who insisted that offenders deserve nothing less than life imprisonment — and even hinted that capital punishment would have been more fitting.

Initially, the bill proposed a 20-year jail term for paedophiles. However, Senator Aliero called for a stiffer sentence, arguing that lenient laws have failed to deter offenders.

Under the new proposal Defilement of a minor now carries life imprisonment — without an option of fine. Rape now carries a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment. The law updates the Criminal Code Act (Section 218), which previously prescribed 13 years to life imprisonment, and Section 221, which allowed 2 years for unlawful carnal knowledge of minors. The Penal Code (Section 283), applicable in Northern Nigeria, which carried 14 years to life imprisonment or fine, will also be updated.

In Sharia-compliant states, penalties remain even more severe — extending to death or life imprisonment, depending on interpretation and local enforcement.

Coincidentally, on the same day as the Senate’s deliberation, a Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) Court in Oshodi, Lagos, sentenced a 25-year-old graphic designer to life imprisonment for raping a 7-year-old girl in 2020.

According to court records, the convict — a neighbour of the victim’s family in a “face-me-I-face-you” compound — repeatedly assaulted the minor when her parents were away, forcing himself on her in the kitchen and bathroom.
The judgement has been widely commended, though some Nigerians believe that life imprisonment is still not harsh enough, with growing calls for chemical castration or death penalty for child rapists.
Others are also urging lawmakers to criminalise false rape accusations, warning that misuse of the law could undermine justice for real victims.

This moves by the Nigerian Senate marks one of the strongest legislative actions yet in the fight against sexual violence and child exploitation.
If fully enacted and enforced, it could reshape how rape and child defilement cases are prosecuted nationwide — potentially closing loopholes that have long allowed offenders to escape justice.

US Revokes Visas of Foreign Nationals Who Celebrated Charlie Kirk’s Assasination.

The United States government has revoked the visas of several foreign nationals who publicly celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in what officials described as a firm stand against hate speech and glorification of violence.

In a statement released Tuesday, the U.S. State Department confirmed that multiple visa holders had been identified and sanctioned for making inflammatory remarks online following Kirk’s killing.

“The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans,” a State Department spokesperson said. “We continue to identify visa holders who celebrated the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk.”

Officials revealed that individuals from Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Paraguay were among those affected.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with murder, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing violence in the presence of children. Prosecutors said they would pursue the death penalty, describing the crime as “politically motivated and deeply disturbing.”

Suspect in Charlie Kirk Killing Formally Charged With Aggravated Murder

Utah, Sept. 16, 2025 – Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck during a speaking event at Utah Valley University last week. Authorities say Robinson fired a single rifle shot from a rooftop and was apprehended after a 33-hour manhunt.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed six additional charges, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Gray stated he intends to seek the death penalty, calling the decision "not taken lightly."

The killing has sparked national outrage, prompting renewed debates over political violence. A wreath was laid outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria in Kirk’s memory.

FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers Tuesday during a Senate hearing over his handling of the case, as well as lingering questions surrounding other high-profile investigations.

16-Year-Old Girl Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing FUT Minna Lecturer.

A High Court in Minna has sentenced a 16-year-old girl, Joy Afekafe, to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of culpable homicide and armed robbery in connection with the brutal murder of Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Sherifat Adefolalu, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.

Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed, presiding over the case at High Court No. 4, ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Afekafe was convicted under Sections 221 and 298 of the Penal Code, which address culpable homicide and armed robbery.

The tragic incident occurred on 28 October 2023 at the lecturer’s residence in Gbaiko, Minna. Joy, who had been employed as a housemaid earlier that month, was introduced to the victim’s household by Pastor Ojo Peters of the Voice of Mercy Church, which both the victim and the convict’s mother attended.

During her stay, Joy reportedly began stealing valuables, including foreign currency. Upon discovery, Dr. Adefolalu dismissed her.

Following the dismissal, Joy allegedly conspired with two accomplices—DJ Wallex and DJ Smart, who are currently at large, to attack the lecturer. In her confession to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Joy recounted how her friends stabbed the lecturer multiple times before bluidgeoning her with a wooden stool.

They stole her phones, a laptop, and more foreign currency before fleeing the scene. In delivering judgment, Justice Mohammed emphasized that the evidence, including Joy’s confession and court testimony, confirmed her involvement in the killing.

Although Joy was 14 at the time of the crime, she was sentenced to life imprisonment due to her age, as the law prohibits the death penalty for minors. The judge stated, “The prosecution has successfully established that the deceased died as a result of inj¥ries inflicted by the convict and her accomplices, with clear intent to kill.” Joy’s accomplices remain at large as authorities continue investigations.

BREAKING NEWS: Kebbi state Government Proposes Death Penalty For Band!t Informants