Yes, I read these words also.

If the pope means to suggest that the death penalty is intrinsically evil and should never be used--and that those who supported it in the past were wrong, the pope is incorrect.  

If the pope is just stating his opinion--fine.  The pope is entitled to his opinion.  The pope's statements, however, suggest that the pope intends to state more than his personal opinion.  His statements suggest he wants to change church teaching.  Fortunately, however, he does not have the authority to do this.