December 24, 2024

Statement from Archbishop Charles C. Thompson regarding President Biden’s commuting death row sentences

Archbishop Charles C. ThompsonIn union with my brother Bishops in the United States, I am grateful for the President's decision to commute 37 federal death-row sentences to life in prison. While keeping before us the concerns of victims and their families, and echoing the sentiments of Popes St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Bishops of our Indiana Catholic Conference have long called for an end to the death penalty. This decision is of particular importance to us in Indiana, where we have previously experienced the burden of federal executions at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, may we continue to build a culture of life at all stages. In addition, let us pray for our elected leaders who will face the decision of whether to repeal the death penalty in Indiana in the coming months.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

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