Illinois Governor JB Pritzker defied direct appeals from Pope Leo XIV and Catholic leaders, signing controversial assisted suicide legislation that undermines the sanctity of life and traditional values that have guided America for generations.

Pope’s Direct Appeal Ignored by Democrat Governor

Pope Leo XIV revealed that he spoke “explicitly” with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker while the Medical Aid in Dying Act sat on his desk, urging the Democrat governor not to sign the controversial legislation. The Pope, who grew up in Chicago, expressed deep disappointment that Pritzker chose to disregard his direct appeal. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich also lobbied against the bill, but their combined efforts proved unsuccessful against the progressive agenda.

Pope Leo XIV expresses disappointed that his home state of Illinois legalised euthanasia, weeks after the Pope met with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, saying:

“I spoke very explicitly with Governor Pritzker at that, at that time the bill was already on his desk. I’m sure also… pic.twitter.com/v07K2wDZuA

— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) December 23, 2025

Assisted Suicide Law Undermines Core Conservative Values

The legislation, signed on December 12 and taking effect in September 2026, allows eligible terminally ill adults to obtain life-ending medication after a doctor’s consultation.

Pope Leo XIV warned that this measure “undermines respect for human life from the very beginning to the very end.” This assault on the sanctity of life directly contradicts fundamental conservative principles that protect vulnerable populations and uphold traditional moral values rooted in our nation’s Christian heritage.

Catholic Church Stands Firm Against Progressive Overreach

All six Catholic dioceses across Illinois united in condemning Pritzker’s decision, declaring it puts the state “on a dangerous and heartbreaking path.” The Pope called on Americans to “reflect upon the nature of human life, the goodness of human life,” especially during the Christmas season. He emphasized that respect for life must grow “in all moments of human existence, from conception to natural death,” defending the traditional pro-life stance that conservatives have championed.

BREAKING

Pope Leo XIV has said that he 'very explicitly' told Illinois Governor Pritzker of his opposition to Assisted Suicide laws

“We were very clear about the need to respect the sacredness of life, from beginning to end. And unfortunately he decided to sign that bill. I am… pic.twitter.com/N4zTQMedYf

— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) December 23, 2025

National Trend Threatens Traditional Values Nationwide

Illinois now joins eleven other states and Washington, D.C. in permitting medically assisted suicide, with seven additional states considering similar legislation. This represents a concerning nationwide erosion of life-affirming values that have traditionally protected society’s most vulnerable members. While Pritzker claimed the law helps patients “avoid unnecessary pain and suffering,” critics argue it opens dangerous doors that run counter to centuries of medical ethics and Judeo-Christian principles foundational to American society.