How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph.)
Quote #7
The priest said, "He only killed and robbed. He hasn't betrayed his friends." (3.1.162)
This is interesting: both the priest and the lieutenant believe that killing and robbing are minor wrongs relative to others. For the priest, this worse sin is betrayal. For the lieutenant, it's deception. For us, it's skipping lunch. Nothing is worse.
Quote #8
"Don't depend too much on God's mercy. He has given you this chance. He may not give you another. What sort of life have you led all these years? Does it seem so grand now? You've killed a lot of people—that's about all. Anyone can do that for a while, and then he is killed too. Just as you are killed. Nothing left except pain." (3.2.61)
The life of the American criminal has turned out to be meaningless rather than glorious. Intent on violence to the last, his life ends with a bang and then a whimper. Another one bites the dust.
Quote #9
"You're a danger. That's why we kill you. I have nothing against you, you understand, as a man." (3.3.49)
If the lieutenant knew the priest as a man rather than as an idea, would he be less prone to kill him? We suspect not. As Michael Corleone famously said, "It's not personal, Sonny, it's strictly business," and he sentenced his own brother to death.