Only 17 nations had executions in 2025, while two-thirds of countries have abolished the death penalty. But those 17 more than made up for the rest. Numbers in USA and Iran jumped.
Crime does not take away human dignity, said Pope Leo, and effective systems of detention can be and have been developed that protect citizens.
Catholic Mobilizing Network works to end the death penalty in accord with Catholic teaching. The number of executions increased in 2025.
Archbishop Paul Coakley, the newly elected president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, lauded Governor Kevin Stitt for granting clemency to a death row inmate.
Throughout the United States, people are dissatisfied with the death penalty, says advocate. "It does not promote safety. It does not deter crime."
Catholic Mobilizing Network invites people to join them on an annual novena ahead of World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10.
While many may think it is "just" to kill those who kill other people, St. John Paul II did not believe the death penalty was necessary in the modern world.
The Ohio legislature is considering a pair of bills that would eliminate state funding of the death penalty and the "intentional termination of human life."
The African country officially abolished the death penalty in 2024, but had not executed anyone since 2005.
Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune said the execution of Brad Sigmon is a violation of human dignity. It was the first execution by firing squad in the United States in nearly 15 years.
The Catholic Mobilizing Network aims to amplify young people’s voices through creative expression and hands-on advocacy. Paid internship available.
While a new executive order has directed federal judges to pursue capital punishment where applicable, public support is at its lowest in decades.
While the end of Roe vs Wade has marked a turning point for the annual March, the even still is attracting countless numbers from all walks of life.
The decision answers calls from civil and human rights activists and falls in line with the guidance of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church.
The Holy Father released his traditional World Day of Peace message, which this year coincides with the start of the Jubilee.
The Holy Father also calls for a Christmas ceasefire, just as the situation in Syria becomes uncertain with the Assad regime falling.
It is within the president's authority to pardon federal convicts, but a pardon from execution does not mean they are freed from their prison time.
