The Dalai Lama has praised Illinois for recently abolishing the death penalty.

That praise came Sunday as the Tibetan spiritual leader spoke before thousands at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The main topic of his talk was bridging the divide between faiths.

As he first came on stage, he was greeted by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. The Dalai Lama gave Quinn a traditional blessing by placing a white silk scarf around his neck. In response, Quinn tapped his hand on his heart.

A few minutes later, the Dalai Lama praised Quinn and Illinois legislators for abolishing the death penalty.

The 76-year-old leader says it was the right thing to do and that he wanted to congratulate Illinois.

The state law ending the death penalty took effect this month.