A death row chaplain, Dale Recinella, was honored at a Vatican ceremony where he was given a Guardian of Life Award for his work investing in individuals facing the penalty of death. 

The death sentence has been decried by Pope Francis, who believes that it should be put to an end around the world contrary to the less black-and-white stance which former popes throughout history have taken. 

"The pope is saying [that] as we have left behind chamber pots instead of indoor plumbing [...] we need to leave [the death penalty] behind," Dale Recinella said according to The Florida Catholic. "It's time to live in our own modern age and we have the means … to protect innocent people in society without the state killing anybody."

In 2018, Pope Francis stated that use of the death penalty was inadmissable, whereas former popes have claimed that it could be used in extreme or rare cases. 

Recinella is nearly 70 years old and has been ministering to inmates on death row for years. Recinella will be replaced by a former NFL player upon his retirement.

Chaplains are tasked with spiritual counseling of inmates, as well as sometimes accompanying them to the execution room, according to OJP.