VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For making what he described as “the most difficult decision in my political life,” Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico was given a front-row seat at a papal audience and was to see Rome’s Colosseum lit up in honor of his state.

Greeting Pope Benedict XVI April 15, Richardson asked him to bless the silver olive branch given to him by the Community of Sant’Egidio in recognition of his decision March 18 to sign a bill abolishing the death penalty in New Mexico. Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of Santa Fe said he introduced the governor to Pope Benedict, saying, “Holy Father, this is our governor and he just repealed the death penalty.” The archbishop added, “And the pope nodded very happily in agreement.”

The Rome-based lay Community of Sant’Egidio, which is active in a worldwide campaign to eliminate capital executions, hosted the governor’s visit. Richardson, a Democrat and a Catholic, had been a supporter of the death penalty; he also supports legalized abortion and embryonic stem-cell research, which the church opposes.

Archbishop Sheehan told Catholic News Service, “We were able to help him understand our opposition to the death penalty and he did indeed change his view and signed the law. One thing at a time.”