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The US Bishops Appeal to President Joe Biden to Commute Federal Death Sentences
By Devin Watkins
As President Joe Biden’s term comes to a close, the Bishops of the United States are urging him to commute the sentences of the men on federal death row. This plea was made on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), calling on Americans to support this cause.
The appeal coincides with Pope Francis’ call to pray for inmates on death row in the United States. The Pope urged for their sentences to be commuted, highlighting the importance of saving lives.
An Extraordinary Opportunity for Human Dignity
The US Bishops emphasized that President Joe Biden has a unique chance to uphold human dignity by converting federal death sentences to terms of imprisonment. This action could spare the lives of the 40 men currently facing execution.
The campaign website provides a contact form for Americans to write to President Biden and advocate for this cause. The Bishops reiterated their opposition to the death penalty, citing reasons such as lack of rehabilitation, discrimination, and the risk of errors.
They also referenced Pope Francis’ 2018 amendment to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, condemning the death penalty as an attack on human dignity.
Joining Forces for Justice
Advocacy groups, including the Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN), have joined the movement to abolish the death penalty in the US. CMN’s Executive Director, Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, highlighted President Biden’s constitutional authority to commute federal death sentences.
The President’s term ends in January 2025, coinciding with the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. This period offers an opportunity for Catholics, including President Biden, to reflect on justice and mercy.