The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is making a final plea to President Joe Biden. They’re asking him to commute the sentences of all federal death row inmates before leaving office.
On Monday, USCCB launched a campaign urging Catholics to act. They want the public to write to Biden, pushing for 40 death sentences to be reduced to life imprisonment. “President Biden has an extraordinary opportunity to advance the cause of human dignity,” USCCB said. “Commuting these sentences would spare 40 lives currently on federal death row.”
The Bishops have opposed capital punishment for decades. Their official stance, rooted in Church teachings, dates back to 1980. It highlights themes of reconciliation and the sanctity of life.
“[O]ut of a commitment to the value and dignity of human life,” they wrote, “we oppose capital punishment.” They emphasized that justice should reflect the teachings of Jesus. Capital punishment, they argue, is not a solution but a profound moral issue.
This isn’t the first time USCCB has appealed to Biden. Early in his presidency, they urged him to abolish the death penalty entirely. They also called on the Trump administration to stop scheduled executions in its final days.
Their position aligns with Pope Francis’ 2018 update to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism describes the death penalty as “inadmissible” and underscores the possibility of redemption for even the most serious crimes.
“[T]he dignity of the person is not lost,” the Catechism states. It argues for systems of justice that protect society while allowing offenders the chance for redemption.
Meanwhile, Biden recently granted clemency to his son, Hunter Biden. Hunter was convicted of drug-related firearm charges but received a pardon from his father.
The White House is yet to comment on the request from the Catholic Bishops.