“In the spirit of jubilee, we express our profound gratitude and commendation to Parliamentarians and His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for signing the Abolition of Death Penalty Bill into law,” Bishop Nyandoro says.
He adds, “This abolition of the death penalty should be celebrated by all people of good will as a giant move that fosters a more compassionate society, encouraging dialogue on restorative justice and the value of every human life.”
The CCJPZ Chairman describes the 2025 Jubilee Year as a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal. He says, “During this Jubilee year, we are called to embark on a journey of pilgrimage, both physical and spiritual, to rediscover the beauty of our faith and to renew our commitment to being disciples of Christ.”
He says that the abolition of the death penalty is a significant step towards building a forgiving, more just and compassionate society, and adds, “We commend the government for taking this courageous step.”
The Catholic Church has consistently taught that human life is sacred and must be treated with dignity and respect. The abolition of the death penalty in Zimbabwe is consistent with the social teachings of the Church that uphold human life, call for redemption and rehabilitation and a justice system that is rooted in mercy rather than vengeance.
In the statement, Bishop Nyandoro notes that the Church has always encouraged society to value life and seek ways to heal rather than harm.
He says that the Church has always been aware that the abolition of the death penalty is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end. The end, he says, is the promotion of a culture of life, dignity, and respect for all human beings.
The Zimbabwean Catholic Bishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 2017 as Bishop of Gokwe Catholic Diocese in Zimbabwe proposes collaboration on rehabilitation programs to help reintegrate those who are in prison, were previously on death row and those going to be released, back into society.
Noting that the abolition of the death penalty in Zimbabwe is a result of collaboration and partnership between the Church, government, and civil society, the CCJPZ official recommends that such partnerships be strengthened and expanded to address other social issues that affect human dignity and well-being in the country.
He says, “By working together, the Church and government can promote the common good, serve the most vulnerable members of society, and uphold the value of human life and its dignity. This also ensures that the Church and Government is jointly working towards a civilisation of love that seeks to reform prisoners or offenders.”
