Pope Leo XIV expressed deep disappointment Tuesday after Illinois, his native state, adopted legislation permitting medical aid in dying.
Leo, raised in Chicago, disclosed he had spoken directly with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker while the bill awaited his signature, imploring him to reject it and warning that the measure diminishes respect for human life from conception to natural death.
“Regrettably, he signed the bill for various reasons,” Leo told reporters in Rome. “I find this deeply disappointing.”
The Medical Aid in Dying Act, nicknamed “Deb’s Law,” was enacted December 12, authorizing qualifying terminally ill adults to receive lethal medication following physician consultations.
The legislation honors Deb Robertson, a lifelong Illinoisan who suffered from a rare terminal condition and advocated for its passage.
The statute becomes effective September 2026, granting healthcare providers and the Illinois Department of Public Health time to establish required procedures and safeguards.
Leo noted that Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich also pressed Pritzker to veto the bill, though his appeal was unsuccessful.
“I invite everyone, especially during this Christmas season, to reflect on the nature and goodness of human life,” Leo said. “God became human to show us what it truly means to live, and I pray that respect for life will be restored at every stage, from conception to natural death.”
The state’s Catholic leaders have also condemned Pritzker’s decision, asserting it places Illinois on a dangerous and heartbreaking path.
Illinois now joins an expanding group of states permitting medical aid in dying. Per the advocacy organization Death with Dignity, eleven states and Washington, D.C. have similar laws, while seven others are considering such measures.
Upon signing, Pritzker said the law would enable terminally ill patients to avoid needless pain and suffering in their final days, and would be thoughtfully implemented to help physicians and patients navigate deeply personal choices.
Digital has requested comment from Pritzker’s office.
Digital’s Alexandra Koch and