In the aftermath of Pope Francis’ passing, the Director of the US-based Catholic Mobilizing Network reflects on his impactful efforts to abolish the death penalty, driven by his unwavering belief in the transformative power of God’s mercy.
By Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Catholic Mobilizing Network*
This week, the Catholic Church bid farewell to its devoted shepherd and visionary leader. The world lost a formidable advocate for putting an end to the practice of capital punishment.
I vividly recall the moment when Pope Francis addressed the U.S. Congress in September 2015. As I stood in Penn Station, glued to the live broadcast, his words resonated deeply within me.
The Pontiff urged Americans to uphold their highest ideals and work towards the common good. However, it was his specific plea to abolish the death penalty in the United States that struck a chord with me.
This historic address marked a pivotal moment in 2015, but its significance truly comes to light following Pope Francis’ passing.
His stance against the death penalty was a central tenet of his papacy, emphasizing the need for prophetic action and unwavering commitment to its abolition.
The Catholic Church has long viewed the death penalty as incompatible with the sanctity of life. In the United States, systemic biases, botched executions, and the risk of innocent individuals being sentenced to death further underscore the injustice of this practice.
Pope Francis’ call for abolition resonated globally, with the aim of setting a precedent for other nations to follow suit. His message to Congress galvanized American Catholics, who represent a significant portion of the population, to advocate for an end to the death penalty.
Subsequent to his 2015 address, Pope Francis continued to champion the cause, culminating in the revision of the death penalty section of the Catholic Catechism to deem it “inadmissible” in all circumstances.
His unwavering stance against the death penalty was further solidified in his encyclical “Fratelli tutti,” where he reiterated the call for its global abolition.
In his final days, Pope Francis urged federal commutations for those on death row, leading to a historic decision by President Joe Biden to commute the sentences of 37 individuals.
To honor Pope Francis’ legacy, we must continue to advocate for human dignity by working towards the abolition of the death penalty.
Will we rise to the challenge and uphold the Pope’s belief in the transformative power of mercy?
*Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy is the Executive Director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, an organization dedicated to ending the death penalty, advancing justice solutions, and promoting healing through restorative justice practices. For more information and to join the movement, visit catholicsmobilizing.org.
